Joe Stockell left high school without gaining any GCSE’s qualifications before enrolling on to a Foundation Joinery Course at a local College. It soon became apparent that Joinery wasn’t the career path that Joe wanted to pursue and left the college after five weeks.
Joe came across the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme online and after speaking to one of the Trust’s NCS team, he decided to register on to a NCS programme. Joe said, “I was lacking confidence and I was told NCS will help improve that. I went on NCS without knowing anyone – I was just a nervous 16 years old.”
“After doing the NCS programme, I can honestly say NCS was easily the best experience of my life. Not only did it give me confidence but it made me realise what I wanted to do with my life – which is a career in sport and youth work.”
Joe was eager to continue his NCS journey and began volunteering with Blackpool FC Community Trust as a volunteer. Joe said, “I wanted to go again but this time, give something back. I was helping the group leaders with activities and group sessions. It increased my leadership skills.”
Joe has now volunteered on four NCS programmes and due to his commitment and excellent leadership skills, he has now secured a paid role as part of the NCS programme with Blackpool FC Community Trust. Joe has been involved in nine different NCS programmes.
After his first experience on NCS, Joe enrolled onto the Trust’s BTEC Level 3 in Football Studies. After two years of hard work, he achieved a Triple Distinction Star. Joe is now on his second year of a Community Football Coaching and Development Foundation Degree with the Community Trust and is also a paid member of staff on the Premier League Kicks programme.
Joe said, “NCS changed my life. All the different experiences on the NCS programmes has taught me so much. I now have a plan in life – I thank Blackpool FC Community Trust for the help and guidance they’ve given me as well as the opportunities to improve my life.”
