Graduates from Oxford City FC’s full-time educational academy are taking the next steps in their on-field development by signing up for the club’s National League South campaign.
Revamped in August 2020, Velocity Football blends full-time training and competitive fixtures with education for male and female football enthusiasts aged 16 to 23 with a dream to one day play professionally.
Four players who completed the programme’s Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport course this summer have since signed on the dotted line for the Hoops.
Mekhi Bessassa-Grant, Josh McConnell, Hamza Al-Jabari and Brayden Daniel have all benefitted from Velocity’s proven pathway to City’s first-team and now train and play multiple times each week under manager Sam Cox.
It marks the start of a new beginning for the quartet, who all spoke highly of Velocity’s renewed focus on supporting excellence while helping learners establish skills and qualifications required to begin a successful career in sport.
Brayden Daniel featured on the bench on opening day as Hoops earned a point in a 1-1 draw against Marine thanks to Brad Stretton’s late equaliser. The former Cherwell School pupil linked up with Velocity in 2022 and hasn’t looked back.
“The pathway which connects Velocity Football to Oxford City FC is really strong,” said Brayden. “Last season I had the opportunity to train, travel and represent the first-team and this year is an extension to that – I feel like my game is in a good place.
“I’m studying a Level 3 coaching apprenticeship too, so the club is investing in my talents on the pitch and potential off it which to me is a sign of a setup which cares.
“My goal is still to chase that dream of turning professional and the support of Velocity Football and Oxford City FC has helped facilitate that.”
Josh McConnell meanwhile earned Player of the Match as Didcot Town beat Larkhall Athletic 1-0 in the Southern League Division One South.
The 18-year-old midfielder has signed on a season-long loan for The Railwaymen after scoring 13 goals in 22 league appearances for Oxford City FC’s development team in 2023-24.
He said: “Having good contacts is key in the industry, and that’s what Velocity Football has provided.
“All the coaching staff have helped take my game to the next level. There’s a great culture at the club and having the chance to play men’s first-team football regularly with Didcot Town is a great opportunity for me.”
Eddie Odhiambo, Head of Football at Velocity, added: “We’re really pleased for Mekhi, Josh, Hamza and Brayden who are all taking the next step in their professional development.
“But equally, we’re proud of the achievements of their classmates who have used Velocity to begin new careers in sport or further their education via university.
“We’re committed to developing well-rounded individuals who can thrive on and off the pitch and understand what they want from their futures by exposing them to all areas of the sports industry including coaching, analysis, nutrition and the media.”
Further information about Velocity Football and how to enrol onto the programme is available here.
