Volunteering plays an important role in the student experience at Blackpool FC Sports College, providing opportunities to gain valuable practical experience while supporting the work of Blackpool FC Community Trust.
Throughout the academic year, students are offered a wide range of volunteering opportunities that complement their studies. These experiences allow them to apply classroom learning in real-world settings while developing the skills and confidence needed for future careers. Whether supporting our Tiny Tangerines programme, assisting at holiday camps or helping to deliver community events, students regularly make a positive impact across the local community.
The past month has been particularly busy for our volunteers. Students recently supported our annual Fit2Go Festival at Bloomfield Road, which welcomed around 1,200 Year 4 pupils over three days. Their enthusiasm and professionalism helped ensure the event ran smoothly and provided a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Students have also been involved in delivering our Under-16 Football Tournament at Bloomfield Road, which featured ten local grassroots clubs. The event allowed young players to experience playing at the home of Blackpool FC while also showcasing the opportunities available at Blackpool FC Sports College. In addition, many students volunteered their time during the May half-term camps, helping to create positive experiences for children across the town.
A standout volunteer this month is Blackpool FC Sports College student Lucy Normanton, who has achieved an incredible milestone of more than 200 hours of volunteering. As part of our volunteering programme, every 100 hours completed is rewarded through funding towards industry-recognised qualifications, helping students build a professional CV alongside their education.
Having surpassed 200 hours, Lucy has already begun working towards her FA Introduction to Coaching Football qualification, with plans to complete further qualifications in the future. She has also expressed an interest in refereeing and has recently joined a waiting list for an upcoming FA referee course.
Her dedication, reliability and willingness to support a variety of programmes have been outstanding and reflect the values we strive to promote throughout our sports college.
Speaking about her volunteering experience, Lucy said,
“A highlight is working with the Community Trust staff members. We all get along well, and they’ve always got knowledge to pass on. Working alongside them, they get to see you using what you’ve learnt in college, and they’re always on hand to help.”
Volunteering provides students with opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership and communication skills, gain industry experience and establish valuable connections within the sport and community sector. We are incredibly proud of all our student volunteers and the positive contribution they continue to make across our programmes, events and local communities.
