As the year comes to a close, we are looking back at key moments for our Blackpool FC Sports College students and the opportunities they were presented with, from residential trips to guest lectures, playing on Bloomfield Road and much more.
January saw the arrival of our new Esports Manager Tom. Tom joined the Blackpool FC Sports College education team to drive our new Esports education programme forward. Esports courses have a different approach to traditional subject areas. They have a structure that lets students learn not only game tactics but also develop an understanding of other areas in the industry. Alongside the arrival of Tom, we also unveiled our new Esports suite, allowing students to access state-of-the-art equipment while learning.
In February members of our Blackpool FC Sports college education team attended the Fylde Coast RBN Careers Fair at the Blackpool Conference & Exhibition Centre. Staff regularly attend events such as these to boost recruitment further and allow local schools and education centres to get an inside look at what we can offer students who choose to study with us. At this event staff spoke with year nine students, showcasing the many progression routes on offer at Blackpool FC Sports College.
March had guest lecturers from the NHS attend Blackpool FC Sports College to give a talk about sexual health. Focusing on enhancing student knowledge of safe sex and sexually transmitted diseases as well as how they can gain support or treatment for sexual health concerns. We offer our students an array of educational talks throughout the academic year, preparing them for beyond college.
In April, our Blackpool FC Sports College students completed their 16-mile walk from Preston North End FC to Blackpool FC, raising awareness for male mental health in support of Mind Mental Health Charity. This was planned and executed solely by our students. We offer our students the opportunity to lead on several extracurricular projects for hands-on experience.
Back in May, our Blackpool FC Sports College students had the opportunity to play an in-house friendly fixture on the Bloomfield Road pitch. This is something that creates lasting memories for all those involved. Students got to play in the iconic tangerine strip and enjoy the experience.
June saw our students take to the sky for a residential trip to Barcelona. Each year students are offered the opportunity to go on a residential abroad. This helps build peer relationships along with relationships with staff attending. During this trip, students got to see the famous Camp Nou, watched a live basketball game, enjoyed recreational time on the beach and shopping and many more exciting experiences. All those who attended enjoyed the trip and created lasting memories with peers.
July was kicked off with our Blackpool FC Sports College awards event. This event celebrates the successes of our students and highlights those who have gone above and beyond during the academic year. Students were awarded for perfect attendance and excelling on the football pitch to name a few. Everyone was recognised for their hard work and commitment. The students were also rewarded with recreational time in the games room with a buffet. Both staff and students enjoyed the chance to celebrate a year of success.
August was enrollment day, we opened up our College to prospective students and allowed them to see what we offer if they choose to study with us. This day also allows staff to become a familiar face to new students.
September had our students visited by representatives of the royal British army. The students were tasked with team-building exercises. We offer students these types of experiences to highlight the different career paths available after education. The students completed many challenges during the day and impressed the visitors with their teamwork abilities.
In October our students participated in a residential trip to Rock UK in Scotland as part of the NCS. They took part in a range of outdoor activities designed to challenge them, boost confidence, and enhance their leadership and teamwork skills. Along the way, they formed lifelong friendships. A highlight of the week was the ‘Come Dine with Me’ style challenge, where students made delicious desserts, judged by a panel to crown the overall winner.
November had another guest lecturer attend Blackpool FC Sports College. Professional referee Oli Langford attended the college to show the students what it takes to be a professional referee. The students asked questions, watched demonstrations and even had the chance to run through a red and yellow card challenge with Oli. This allowed the students to get an insight into the sports industry.
December sees the year come to a close but also provides the college with an additional chance to recruit new students, hosting an open evening before the Christmas period. New students are encouraged to come in chat with members of staff and see the educational routes we can offer them.
