Blackpool FC Community Trust column: Shining a spotlight on the work done by football club charities
A Blackpool student’s story of overcoming adversity is helping football fans to smile this January.
Constantin Manzuc, an Esports student at Blackpool FC Sports College, said: “College has changed my life because it has helped me to understand myself.
“I’ve made a lot of friends, I know a lot of people and they are very kind to me – and they help me if I have any problems in college or in my personal life.”
Constantin’s journey is being shared as part of Scan to Smile, a new EFL initiative designed to lift spirits during the January blues and shine a spotlight on the life-changing work delivered by football club charities.
Supported by the Premier League Fans Fund, British Esports and York College, Blackpool FC Sports College delivers full-time Level 2 and Level 3 Esports qualifications from Bloomfield Road.
The programme equips students with the skills required for careers across the esports and digital industries, including entrepreneurship, leadership, teamwork, communication, decision-making, cyber skills and digital literacy, with a clear focus on employability.
Industry partnerships with Yoyotech, Scan Computers, The Arc Cinema Blackpool, Lab Creative and Nik Turner Esports provide students with hands-on experience that connects learning directly to real-world career pathways.
The partnership prepares learners for roles in technology and hardware, event production, broadcasting and streaming, digital marketing and creative media, as well as business and entrepreneurship.
Constantin added: “I’ve learnt a lot of skills, communication skills, how to speak to viewers and how to get better at games.
“When I wasn’t thinking well, my teachers were there for me all the time.
“They told me if I did anything wrong and if I messed up, they would say it’s OK, go and do it again.”
Posters displayed around EFL stadiums from January 23-31 will invite supporters to scan QR codes, alongside codes on-screen during all live EFL games broadcast on Sky Sports.
Fans can scan these to unlock uplifting stories like Constantin’s, showing how football changes lives far beyond the pitch.
Trevor Birch, the EFL CEO, said: “Scan to Smile is about harnessing the power of football to lift spirits and share real stories of hope.
“Behind every club are people whose lives have been positively changed through the work and dedication of their local EFL club charity.
“This initiative gives supporters the chance to see that impact first-hand and reminds us that football truly is a force for good.”
Anyone interested can find out more about Blackpool FC Sports College Esports courses by visiting https://www.bfcct.co.uk/esports/