A graduate of Oxfordshire’s newest sports-based educational academy has described how she unlocked a new-found confidence and career outlook by enrolling onto the programme.
Chelsea Cox joined Velocity Football in September 2020 to pursue her ambition of fulfilling a career in sport by studying the programme’s two-year Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport course.
Based at Oxford City FC, Velocity combines football and sport with business and academia and is suitable for 16 to 23-year-old’s of all playing abilities who wish to explore its proven educational and player pathways.
Chelsea – who scooped the programme’s Outstanding Contribution award at its end-of-term celebration – now plans to broaden her knowledge by enrolling onto Velocity’s Higher National Certificate (HNC) course in September.
“The whole two years has been one incredible experience,” said Chelsea. “I’ve learnt so much and feel my confidence both as a player and an individual has been boosted to levels I’ve not had before.
“I’ve developed skills and friends that I’ll hold for the rest of my life and the course has provided me with a great insight into the various career pathways the sports industry has.
“Velocity has provided me with one of the best experiences I could’ve wished for, and my plan is to remain here for another year to develop the knowledge and skills I have already established.
“I’d encourage anyone considering a career or future in sport to enrol. I’ve met the most amazing people and worked with the best coaches and tutors I could’ve wished for.”
Chelsea’s achievements in the classroom have been fuelled by success she has shared on the pitch with her course mates.
After reaching the Last 16 stage of the prestigious National Cup, Velocity’s female students scooped The College Cup Festival and finished runners up in the AoC South League.
Guiding Chelsea and her teammates through the year on and off the pitch is the responsibility of Head Coach and Oxford United Women’s captain Lauren Haynes and Aliyah Anthony, Oxford City Women’s Head Coach.
Chelsea said the knowledge and experience of Lauren and Aliyah combined has inspired everyone to have positive aspirations for their futures.
“We’ve shared some incredible moments on the pitch,” said Chelsea. “But I feel everyone worked well together as a team because of our work off it.
“We’d all complete our assignments at the same time and be there for each other if anyone needed support – I’m certain this approach helped us to achieve what we did on the pitch.
“We’ve been exposed to so many career pathways, and I’m still exploring which route to take. Everything has really interested me but pursuing a career as either a player or a coach is definitely at the top of my list.
“I’m really looking forward to next year’s challenges and am so pleased of my decision to enrol two years ago.”
Spaces to enrol onto Velocity Football’s BTEC, HNC and HND courses in September are open now and can be secured by visiting the programme’s website or emailing [email protected].
