Velocity Football students organised a seven-a-side girls’ tournament for local schools to support the provision of sport in Oxfordshire as part of their academic development.
Second-year female students at Oxford City Football Club’s full-time educational academy invited 10 schools to the tournament as part of their organising and running events BTEC module.
More than 70 girls aged between 14 and 16 took part on the day with guests from Oxford Academy, Marlborough School, Icknield Community College, Henry Box, Gosford Hill, Wheatley Park, Cooper School, Bicester School and King Alfred’s.
The Year 10 and 11 girls played a round-robin tournament before learning more about the Velocity programme and how it supports young people aspiring towards a career in sport.
Lauren Haynes, Oxford United Women’s captain and Head Coach of Velocity Football’s female programme, said: “The tournament was a huge success, and we are grateful to all schools and their pupils who participated.
“We adopt a hands-on approach to development at Velocity Football where students are able to apply what they learn in practical situations to their studies.
“To fulfil their latest module, students decided to take learning into their own hands by working with the Oxfordshire Girls Football Schools Partnership to deliver this tournament.
“Our programmes support a multitude of career pathways in the sports sector and the smooth organisation of students’ inter-school tournament will help them establish a strong understanding of the profession.”
Velocity Football was launched in summer 2020 as an improved and revamped educational academy. It delivers BTEC, HND and HNC programmes to male and female students aged between 16 to 18 and 19 to 23. The courses have been designed to provide an unrivalled progression pathway for football, further education, and career opportunities via a supportive and progressive post GCSE environment.
Students combine full-time training with competitive matches and work towards an industry-recognised qualification which support careers in sports coaching, psychology, physiotherapy, media relations, analysis, and site management.
It provides a suitable platform for players to develop their ability on the pitch too, with the programme’s coaching team including former Watford midfielder Ross Jenkins, experienced Oxfordshire coach Andy Sinnott and Oxford City FC’s Josh Ashby.
Justin Merritt, Director of Velocity Football, added: “It’s our vision to create well-rounded individuals by providing an enjoyable and meaningful education to students so they can reach their full potential on and off the pitch.
“Some students join determined to make it as a professional player, others have ambitions to work in sport.
“Events like our inter-school tournament help students develop key skills such as communication, organisation and working as a team which can be used in the real world when they graduate.
“We’re pleased the event was well-received by Oxfordshire schools and we’d like to congratulate students on delivering a professionally organised tournament to support the provision of school sport.”
Further information about Velocity Football will be available to prospective students and their parents or carers at an information evening on Wednesday, December 8, from 6.30pm.
People interested in attending the event at Oxford City Football Club should visit www.velocityfootball.co.uk to register or email [email protected].
