Blackpool FC Sports College celebrated another successful academic year by recognising the achievements of students at its annual awards event.
Held on Wednesday 18th June, the event brought together students, staff and guests to celebrate academic achievement, personal development, sporting success and contributions to college life throughout 2025/26.
Awards were presented to Level 2, Level 3 and degree students, highlighting the hard work, dedication and commitment shown by learners throughout the year. Students also enjoyed a special end-of-year rewind video reflecting on another memorable year.
The celebrations were made even more special by a visit from Blackpool FC first-team players Josh Bowler and Oliver Casey, who handed out awards and spent time with students throughout the afternoon.
Among the award winners was the Student of the Year (Degree Year 1), Will Johnson, who reflected on the positive impact the course has had on his development,
“It means a lot. The degree course has been really good for me, and I’m really happy to win this award.
“My confidence has come a long way since starting the degree course. I’ve grown better at asking my tutors for help and throwing myself into my placements.”
Coach of the Year winner, Ethan Earley, was recognised for his outstanding commitment to volunteering and supporting programmes delivered by Blackpool FC Community Trust, he said,
“It feels quite rewarding. It’s nice to hear that your name is known at the Trust (BFCCT).
“I’ve completed well over 100 hours of volunteering across different programmes, and it feels good to know my work with the Trust has been recognised and paid off.”
The event also recognised students who achieved 100% attendance throughout the academic year, with Jasmin Meehan-Raja, Jordan Ligertwood and Harry Gregory all receiving special recognition for their commitment.
Academic Student of the Year awards were presented to Jordan Ligertwood (Level 2 Sport), Kyle McGinty (Level 2 Esports), CJ Bennison (Level 3 Year 1 Group 1 Sport), Rocco Roberts (Level 3 Year 1 Group 2 Sport), Kyle Henson (Level 3 Year 1 Esports), Kieran Taylor-Broadley (Level 3 Year 2 Sport), Will Johnson (Degree Year 1), Zach Terras (Degree Year 2) and Ben Atkinson (Degree Year 3).
Enrichment awards recognised success beyond the classroom, with Ethan Earley named Coach of the Year, Freddy Livesey receiving both the A Team Players’ Player and Top Goalscorer, Reece Faulkner winning A Team Managers’ Player, Harry Gregory named B Team Managers’ Player, Alfie Bourke receiving the C Team Managers’ Player award and Constantin Manzuc being crowned Esports Gamer of the Year.
The College’s highest accolade, Overall Student of the Year, was awarded to Kian Anderson in recognition of his exceptional contribution and achievements throughout
Blackpool FC First Team player, Olly Casey, said,
“It was great to be able to play a small part in rewarding the college students for a great year. Me and Josh really enjoyed hearing about how they have excelled while at the college and how much effort and dedication they have shown to receive end of year awards. Some of the students were also Blackpool fans, so it was nice to have a chat with them after the awards ceremony. The Blackpool FC Sports College is clearly making a huge impact on local young people.”
Congratulations to all award winners and students recognised during the event. Everyone at Blackpool FC Sports College wishes our students a fantastic summer and looks forward to welcoming them back in September.
For more information about Blackpool FC Sports College, visit our website: https://www.bfcct.co.uk/programme/blackpool-fc-sports-college/
