An end-of-year celebration was hosted by Velocity Football to mark the achievements of students studying the full-time education programme in its first year.
Students enrolled in the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport, Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Sport, Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sport and Level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science attended.
Velocity Football Director Justin Merritt opened the event, reflecting on the triumphs and challenges of the past nine months both on and off the pitch.
Coaches Lauren Haynes, Jordan Piper and Ross Jenkins added their thoughts before several awards which recognised students’ outstanding achievements were announced.
Awards included: Academic Achievement, Funniest Moment, Goal of the Season, Coaches’ Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Student of the Year.
The celebration also provided students leaving the programme a chance to reflect on their time on the course before furthering their education at university or starting full-time employment.
A minute’s applause held in memory of our late colleague and friend Mickey Lewis, who passed away in March following a short illness, concluded the event.
Lauren Haynes, Head Coach of Velocity Football’s female programme, said: “We’re extremely proud of the achievements of all students this year and the positive attitudes they have displayed in such unprecedented circumstances.
“In the classroom, students have focused on the academic aspect of the programme with many achieving the grades they required to further their education at university or start their careers in the sport sector.
“We’ve had some great moments on the pitch by producing improved performances against teams as the season developed. There have been plenty of laughs along the way too which has formed strong bonds among students who have made friends for life.
“We’d like to wish all students ending their time at Velocity the very best for their future. It is an exciting time, and we hope the skills they have developed on the programme can now be applied in the real world.
“For those continuing their studies, next year promises to be even better as we ease out of COVID-19 restrictions and continue to support students’ development.”
A full list of award winners can be viewed below:
Academic Achievement Award:
Adele Davis, Tia Herbert, Georgia Street, Noa Ben-Adel, Tyler Castle, Ben Fish, Latham Hawkins, Jack Kerry, Ethan Gough, Tyan Hawkins.
Goal of the Season:
Girls: Tia Herbert (vs Bracknell).
Boys: Riley Saunders (vs Maidenhead).
Coaches Player of the Season:
Olivia Day, chosen by Lauren Haynes.
Cara Kerby, chosen by Aliyah Anthony.
Denzel Tengwana and Jack Kerry, chosen by Jordan Piper.
Louis Goodall and Noa Ben-Adel, chosen by Ross Jenkins.
Players’ Player of the Season:
Girls: Tia Herbert.
Boys: Latrell Ewers and Helton Biague.
Student of the Year:
Girls: Georgia Street.
Boys: Ethan Gough.
The first Velocity Football year will conclude on Friday, July 2, when students break up for summer holidays.
Students studying the programme in 2021-22 will report for pre-season training on Wednesday, August 4, before the new term begins on Monday, September 6.
An induction day will be hosted on Thursday, September 2, for all students. Spaces on next year’s programme are filling quickly but remain open to male and females aged 16 to 23.
For further information and to enquire about enrolling, please contact our friendly team via [email protected] or call 0300 303 0809.
