Nathan Hargreaves’ journey at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust started just shy of 10 years ago, when he walked through the Blackburn Rovers Sports College doors as a first year pupil studying for his BTEC Level One.
Fast forward to today, and Nathan is a valued member of the Community Trust’s Premier League Primary Stars team after obtaining multiple qualifications and a degree under the Blackburn Rovers Sports College umbrella.
“I left high school and started with Blackburn Rovers Sports College in 2015, studying for a BTEC Level One” said Nathan, as he reflected back on the beginning of his journey at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.
“I saw the BTEC programme advertised on social media. Sport wasn’t my first option at GCSE but being a Rovers supporter, and seeing the brand advertising further education opportunities, it really appealed to me.
“I did a Level One initially, and then moved on to Level Two and then Level Three. I then carried on by studying for a foundation degree in Community Football Coaching and Development, awarded by the University of South Wales, which is again ran by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.”
Nathan’s dedication and commitment to his studies enabled him to seek out further opportunities at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust after his degree had finished. Now boasting a number of qualifications, Nathan was in a strong position to apply for multiple jobs and start his career, but his heart was set on staying at Ewood Park.
“From results day to now, it has been quite a journey,” admitted Nathan. “I am quite proud of what I have achieved. “I started to get involved in some casual work, and that became more and more frequent, and then I became a full time member of staff.
“I set the target after my studies that I wanted to work in sport, so to now have that opportunity to work at the official charity of the football club I have supported all my life, it is like a dream has come true.”
“My confidence has grown so much, coming through Blackburn Rovers Sports College to now being a full time employee, so many people have helped me along the way. Nathan is an integral part of the Community Trust’s Premier League Primary Stars team, since starting his role in February 2023.
Premier League Primary Stars aims to engage, connect and inspire pupils aged 5 – 11 years old into regular sport and activity promoting fair play, motivation and ambition to reach their goals and potential. “I am a Sport and Education Practitioner,” concluded Nathan. I go into local primary schools the Community Trust have partnerships with, and support with PE lessons.”
“Blackburn Rovers Sports College helped me develop the skills I needed to do this role and I really enjoy my job.” “It is strange that the teachers who taught me are now my colleagues, but they have all helped and supported me through this journey to get to the position I find myself in today. This is a great place to both study and work.”
As part of Nathan’s role, he also leads on the Development Centres at the newly refurbished Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre every Saturday morning.
The Development Centres are available for children aged 4-12 years old, and full details can be found HERE.
