A look back at 2025

Over the year, we have continued to deliver high-quality education, sport, health and community programmes that create real opportunities for local people. From school holiday camps and national competitions to health initiatives and grassroots engagement, this year reflects the breadth, scale and impact of our work across Blackpool and beyond.

January

  • We announced that BFC School achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, with inspectors recognising effective safeguarding, respectful students and a safe, supportive learning environment.
  • We hosted the Premier League Primary Stars Girls’ Under 11s tournament, welcoming 13 local schools to a day of competitive football.
  • Our Cancer PreHab sessions launched, supporting individuals preparing for treatment by providing information, reassurance and peer connection.

February

  • Steve Bruce presented Joe with the Premier League Community Captain award, recognising his leadership and commitment to #PLKicks, including mentoring younger participants and supporting the development of a new 5-a-side league.
  • Bloomfield Road hosted the Premier League Inspires Challenge, focused on raising awareness of gender equality and encouraging young people to develop social action projects.
  • We celebrated our EFL Community Heroes – Dan, Nicola, Helen and Declan – for their outstanding contribution to supporting local people.

March

  • Professional Game Match Officials Ltd delivered an interactive refereeing workshop at Revoe Learning Academy, giving pupils insight into the professional game.
  • Millie and Maisie attended a Premier League Changemakers event at Wolves’ training ground, exploring gender equality and career pathways for women in football.
  • Jordan Gabriel visited our Esports Community League, engaging with participants and sharing his experiences both in football and gaming.

April

  • Dance Syndrome delivered inclusive sessions at our Stars Camp, encouraging creativity, confidence and physical activity.
  • In partnership with ITC, Premier League Kicks expanded to offer structured training in kickboxing, MMA, Thai boxing and boxing.
  • Blackpool FC Sports College BTEC A Team won the CEFA League title and reached the last 16 of the National Cup, losing just one game all season.

May

  • Norbreck Primary Academy represented Blackpool FC at Wembley Stadium in the League One National Final of the Utilita Kids Cup.
  • Our Fit2Go Festival took place at Bloomfield Road, welcoming Year 4 pupils from partner schools across Blackpool for a day of activity and engagement.
  • Active Minds and Forces Football participants had the opportunity to play on the Bloomfield Road pitch as part of a special evening of fixtures.

June

  • We marked Armed Forces Week by attending events across the town, celebrating local cadets and supporting serving personnel and veterans.
  • Students attended the Blackpool FC Sports College end-of-season awards, recognising achievement, commitment and sporting success.
  • During Volunteers Week, we thanked those who give their time to support our work, highlighting Lisa and Darren for their ongoing commitment to The Big Food Project.

July

  • We hosted a Kellogg’s Takeover Day at Stanley Primary School, with pupils taking part in a carousel of football activities alongside a visit from the EFL Trophy.
  • The Beaverbrook’s Enterprise Challenge took place at Bloomfield Road, with Year 8 pupils presenting business ideas to a panel of judges. St Mary’s Catholic Academy were crowned winners.
  • Schools from across Blackpool competed in the Jimmy Armfield Tournament, with St Nicholas C of E Primary School lifting the trophy and Our Lady of Assumption winning the plate competition.

August

  • Blackpool FC Sports College students celebrated strong results, including Katie achieving DDD* in BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching & Development and progressing to degree study.
  • Our summer camps concluded after six weeks of sport, dance and physical activity, with Star of the Week winners receiving match tickets courtesy of Blackpool Supporters Trust.
  • We enrolled a new cohort of students in our Sports Coaching and Esports courses.

September

  • New Sports College students took part in behind-the-scenes stadium tours at Bloomfield Road as part of their induction.
  • We delivered a health and well-being event at Harbour Hospital, engaging staff and patients through boccia and football activities.
  • Tia’s Crown joined us at NAAFI Break to deliver energetic dance sessions for participants.

October

  • Sports College students observed a Blackpool FC Under 18s training session, gaining insight into academy environments and coaching practices.
  • Our NHS Women’s Football Team supported a Restart a Heart event at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, taking part in CPR training.
  • The Fit2Glow final took place at Blackpool Tower Circus, bringing teams together for a glow-in-the-dark finale.

November

  • We launched our 2024/25 Impact Review, showcasing how our programmes are making a difference through written and video case studies.
  • Sports College students received practical insight during a sports development session delivered by our Sports Development Manager.
  • As part of Get FIT Keep FIT, we introduced Boxercise, a high-energy, non-contact fitness session.

December

  • Thanks to generous donations to our Festive Fundraiser, we wrapped and delivered almost 1,500 gifts to children across Blackpool.
  • Alex Taylor, Head of Academy Coaching at Blackpool FC, visited degree students at Sports College, sharing his coaching journey and highlighting the value of experience, opportunity and strong professional networks.