Open evening to reveal more about the power of apprenticeships

People interested in pursuing a career in sport are being invited to attend an open evening this week hosted jointly by Velocity Football and Ignite Sport UK.

The open evening will take place at the Velocity Stadium in Marston, Oxford (OX3 0NQ)  6:30pm this Wednesday (October 20) and provide a practical insight into the higher education courses, apprenticeships and adult education both organisations provide.

CEO of Ignite Sport UK and Director of Velocity Football Justin Merritt will start the evening by discussing all avenues people can explore with input from community coaches.

Justin said the evening will help people better understand the career options and opportunities available through Velocity and Ignite.

“After more than a year of COVID-19 uncertainty, it’s great to finally be able to host an open evening in person and welcome guests to our base,” said Justin. “Velocity Football provides students with a proven development pathway to either a career in sport or further education via apprenticeships or university.

“Students combine their studies with full-time training sessions which enable them to access the latest technology and reach their full potential both on and off the pitch.

“We also specialise in the provision of sports and teaching-based qualifications via Ignite, delivering apprenticeships from Level 2 intermediate up to Level 5 higher. It means we can offer an apprenticeship to everyone, including those currently employed looking to upskill and develop their existing qualities.

“We look forward to seeing everyone later this week and hope they find the open evening informative and useful.”

Current Velocity Football students and Ignite apprentices will also be in attendance through the open evening to provide a first-hand insight into their experiences.

They include Ethan Gough, who this year is studying Ignite Sport UK’s new Level 3 Junior Content Producer apprenticeship. Ethan is a graduate of Velocity Football’s BTEC programme, Ignite’s sister company, and next year will study a sports journalism degree at Staffordshire University.

He said: “I am really enjoying my apprenticeship with Ignite Sport UK and Oxford City FC. It’s helping me develop key skills, knowledge and behaviours that can be applied in a professional environment via the football club.

“Already, I have established Oxford City’s new TikTok page and posted videos which have attracted over one million views. Working and learning on the job is a great way to develop skills and I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone wanting to either begin their career or broaden their skillset.”

Visitors attending Wednesday’s open evening must pre-book their space. Booking can be confirmed by calling the Ignite Sport UK team direct via 0300 303 0890 or emailing office@ignitesport.co.uk.