Velocity Football are heartbroken at the passing of our head coach Mickey Lewis.
Mickey was head of our male programme at Velocity Football and worked in the role full-time up until he fell ill recently.
We broke the news to colleagues and students last night and this morning and have been pass our condolences to his family and many friends at this difficult time.
Support has been offered to our students and colleagues.
Mickey led Velocity Football with tremendous vision, passion, energy and experience. Our students and colleagues have all developed under his exceptional leadership.
Justin Merritt, director at Velocity Football said: “We are heart broken. Football and our student’s development was everything to Mickey. He cared about the students’ futures and was passionate about helping them develop successful careers. Looking forward we will be striving to help our students fulfil Mickey’s dreams.
“We have offered support to our students and colleagues should they need it at this difficult time and on-going. We are also gathering our students’ memories and tributes and will share them with the family.
“Mickey was a remarkable coach, footballer, mentor, colleague and friend to so many people. He will be desperately missed by everybody and our thoughts are with Suzanne and Zach.
“Mickey worked for Oxford City FC and Ignite Sport for many years in various roles and his contribution to City, Oxfordshire and football is vast. He coached thousands of players and his passion was the same whether it was a first team match, or coaching children.
“His was an inspiration and he will never be forgotten.”
Lauren Haynes, head of our female programme, said: “Mickey was a role model and inspiration. He inspired generations of people through his incredible work. I admire the warm, funny genuine person Mickey was and I will always look up to him.”
Velocity Football coach Aliyah Anthony said: “Mickey was an amazing guy with a heart of pure gold. The first time we met he had a cup of tea in one hand and a football in the other and a massive smile which I will never forget. He inspired so many people including myself, he was the role model that people wish they could be. We are all so thankful for everything Mickey has taught us, not only in coaching but in life too. The kitchen conversations and lunch time chats will stay with me forever. We will miss Mickey and send our love to Suzanne and Zach.”
Student Archie Meeson said: “It is heart breaking news. Mickey has been a massive part of my life for four years. Love to his family and friends. We love you, rest easy.”
Mickey had an excellent career. He started playing in the West Bromwich Albion youth team, winning Young Player of the Year award in 1984 and winning seven England Youth caps. After making 33 appearances for West Brom he moved to Derby County in November 1984 for £25,000.
Mickey was with Derby for just under four years, scoring one goal in 50 games, before joining Oxford United in August 1988. He played for United for more than a decade in midfield and defence. He later became youth coach and caretaker manager of the first team.
He joined Oxford City in 2000 as player coach and then became assistant manager after hanging up his boots. He later coached in America before returning to Oxford City. He also coached Oxford University football team, Slough Town, Doncaster Rovers, Abingdon Town, and Oxford United U11s. He returned to Oxford United as assistant manager and was a key figure in the club’s promotion at Wembley in 2010. He also managed Hayes and Yeading.
Rest in peace Mickey.
