Velocity Football students wishing to develop technical skills on the pitch have been boosted by the arrival of new academy coach and former professional player Ross Jenkins.
Ross enjoyed an outstanding playing career representing Watford at Championship level before enjoying loan stints with Plymouth Argyle, Barnet and Crawley respectively.
Persistent injury sadly forced Ross to retire from professional football prematurely after he spent his latter seasons competing on the continent in Romania, Bulgaria and Norway.
His role within the Velocity programme combines his current commitments with Oxford City FC where he acts as first-team coach under David Oldfield while completing his UEFA A Licence coaching certificate.
Ross said: “I’ve closely monitored the Velocity Football programme throughout my time at Oxford City FC and am pleased to join and support students’ development.
“Before my professional career, I completed a two-year scholarship with Watford as a teenager, so I know exactly how Velocity Football students wishing to pursue a career in sport feel.
“We’ve got a very hard-working bunch of students who are committed to their development on and off the field which is so important. This new coaching opportunity will complement my current role with the Oxford City first-team.”
Velocity Football Director Justin Merritt said Ross’ addition to the educational academy will help identify outstanding talent and nurture students’ development via a proven player pathway.
He said: “It is great to welcome Ross to the Velocity Football team, and he has already built strong connections between himself and students via engaging and varied training sessions.
“Ross’ addition further strengthens Velocity Football’s partnership with Oxford City and the links to the first team.
“Already, twins Luke and Dan Stokoe have benefitted from Ross’ addition to the Velocity programme and now train with Oxford City on a weekly basis.”
Velocity Football’s BTEC, Higher National Certificate (HNC), and Higher National Diploma (HND) courses provide 16- to 23-year-olds with the education, experience and opportunities to follow a career in sport.
For further information about Velocity Football visit: www.velocityfootball.co.uk
