Blackpool FC Community Trust column: Twelve months of activities and programmes for our residents
During the year, we have continued to deliver high-quality education, sport, health and community programmes that create real opportunities for local people.
January included an announcement that BFC School achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, with inspectors recognising effective safeguarding, respectful students and a safe, supportive learning environment.
Our Cancer Prehab sessions launched, supporting individuals preparing for treatment by providing information, reassurance and peer connection.
February saw Bloomfield Road host the Premier League Inspires Challenge, focused on raising awareness of gender equality and encouraging young people to develop social action projects.
We celebrated our EFL Community Heroes for their outstanding contribution to supporting local people.
March saw PGMOL deliver an interactive refereeing workshop at Revoe Learning Academy, giving pupils insight into the professional game.
Jordan Gabriel visited our Esports Community League, engaging with participants and sharing his experiences both in football and gaming.
In April, Dance Syndrome delivered inclusive sessions at our Stars Camp, encouraging creativity, confidence and physical activity.
Blackpool FC Sports College BTEC A Team won the CEFA League title and reached the last 16 of the National Cup, losing just one game all season.
May’s events included Norbreck Primary Academy representing Blackpool FC at Wembley in the League One National Final of the Utilita Kids Cup.
Our Fit2Go Festival took place at Bloomfield Road, welcoming year four pupils from partner schools across Blackpool for a day of activity and engagement.
June saw Armed Forces Week marked by attending events across the town, celebrating local cadets and supporting serving personnel and veterans.
Students attended the Blackpool FC Sports College end-of-season awards, recognising achievement, commitment and sporting success.
We hosted a Kellogg’s Takeover Day at Stanley Primary School in July, when pupils took part in a carousel of football activities alongside a visit from the EFL Trophy.
St Mary’s Catholic Academy were victorious as the Beaverbrook’s Enterprise Challenge took place at Bloomfield Road.
The Jimmy Armfield Tournament ended with St Nicholas C of E Primary School lifting the trophy and Our Lady of Assumption winning the plate competition.
Blackpool FC Sports College students celebrated strong results in August, when our summer camps concluded after six weeks of sport, dance and physical activity.
September’s new Sports College students took part in behind-the-scenes stadium tours at Bloomfield Road as part of their induction.
We delivered a health and wellbeing event at Harbour Hospital, engaging staff and patients through boccia and football activities.
October saw Sports College students observe a Blackpool FC U18s training session, gaining insight into academy environments and coaching practices.
The Fit2Glow final took place at Blackpool Tower Circus, bringing teams together for a glow-in-the-dark finale.
Then, in November, we launched our 2024/25 Impact Review to showcase how our programmes are making a difference through written and video case studies.
Sports College students received practical insight during a sports development session delivered by our Sports Development Manager.
Finally, this month brought generous donations to our Festive Fundraiser as we wrapped and delivered almost 1,500 gifts to children across Blackpool.
Blackpool FC’s head of academy coaching, Alex Taylor, visited Sports College degree students to share his coaching journey and highlight the value of experience, opportunity and strong professional networks.