Burnley FC in the Community welcomed its latest intake of BFC Academy first-year scholars to the Academy in the Community programme. Through the initiative, scholars build connections with local people and learn more about the town they proudly represent.
On Wednesday 26th August, the new cohort of scholars took part in their induction day, becoming the latest group of young players to experience first-hand the life-changing work delivered by Burnley FC in the Community across Burnley and the surrounding areas.
The Academy in the Community programme is designed to connect Academy scholars with the club’s extensive community work, providing opportunities to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds while developing a greater appreciation of the town and communities they represent on and off the pitch.
The programme has two key aims: to help scholars gain a deeper understanding of Burnley and its people, and to encourage positive engagement with local residents through regular involvement in community projects and initiatives.
The day began with an introduction to the programme from Chris Andrews, Director of Football, Sport & Education. The scholars then met colleagues from across the charity and learned more about its projects. They also discovered the difference these programmes make to people across Burnley and the surrounding areas.
As part of the induction, the scholars visited two community projects to see the charity’s work in action.
Their first stop was No Nay Never Forget, Burnley FC in the Community’s dementia-friendly group. The project supports people living with dementia, alongside their families and carers. Scholars chatted with participants over a brew, played dominoes and Connect Four, and discussed their shared love of football.
The scholars then visited The Leisure Box, where they joined children attending the charity’s summer holiday activity camps. Throughout the afternoon, they took part in a range of activities including Nerf Wars, padel, cricket and football, helping to create memorable experiences for the young participants while building confidence in engaging with the local community.
Reflecting on the experience, first-year scholar Johanan Lo-Tutala said:
“I enjoyed attending the dementia café. It was fun because I liked engaging with the participants, and they were very supportive of us. I really enjoyed the environment at the dementia café and found it easy to communicate with everyone because they were so open and welcoming.
I also enjoyed visiting the camp at The Leisure Box because it was a fun environment and made me realise the importance of being a positive role model. It showed me how I can support young people on their journeys in life.
The experience also helped me better understand the community and the impact Burnley FC in the Community’s projects have on people across Burnley.”
Experiences like these are an important part of the Academy in the Community programme. They support scholars’ development beyond football and help them understand their positive influence.
Speaking about the induction day, Chris Andrews, Director of Football, Sport & Education, said:
“The Academy in the Community induction is one of my favourite times of the year as this is often the first opportunity scholars have to see the real impact of the work being delivered by Burnley FC in the Community.
It’s also the moment many of them realise just how important their presence can be when they visit our projects and experience the positive reactions from participants first-hand.
We want our players to genuinely feel part of the wider club, town and community while exposing them to different situations and environments that support their development away from football.”
The Academy in the Community programme continues throughout the scholars’ journey with Burnley FC. It provides opportunities to support community projects, meet local people and build stronger connections with Burnley.
Academy in the Community is made possible by the Premier League and Professional Footballers Association. #PLPFAPlayersFund | #PLMoreThanAGame
