Students from All Saints’ High School were given a unique opportunity to discover how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are shaping the modern football industry as part of Burnley FC in the Community’s All SySTEM’s Go! Secondary STEM Programme.
Hosted at Turf Moor, the experience combined hands-on STEM learning, career exploration and exclusive insight into the people and technology driving elite football behind the scenes.
Exploring the Role of Data in Modern Football
The day began with an introduction to the increasingly important role of data analytics in football. Students learned how data analysts collect, interpret and communicate information that can influence everything from player performance and recruitment to opposition analysis and tactical decision-making.
By exploring how complex datasets are transformed into meaningful insights, students gained a deeper understanding of the diverse STEM careers available within football. The session also challenged the common perception that career opportunities in the game are limited to what happens on the pitch.
Putting STEM Skills into Practice
Students then took part in an exciting Sphero BOLT coding challenge inside Turf Moor, putting their problem-solving, programming and teamwork skills to the test.
Working collaboratively, they programmed robots to navigate a series of challenges, refining their solutions through trial and error and adapting their approaches along the way. The activity demonstrated how coding, mathematics, engineering and creativity combine to solve real-world problems, all within a setting that immediately resonated with the students.
Discovering the STEM Behind Turf Moor
The stadium tour provided another opportunity to explore STEM beyond the traditional classroom.
Students considered the engineering, technology and design required to build, maintain and operate a modern football stadium, while learning about the wide range of professionals who help keep facilities like Turf Moor running smoothly every day.
From construction and engineering to digital technology, communications, data analysis and environmental sustainability, the visit highlighted how STEM is embedded throughout the football industry.
Special Guest Appearance from UEFA’s Football Intelligence Lead
One of the standout moments of the morning was a virtual guest appearance from Paul Brand, Football Intelligence Lead at UEFA, who joined students virtually from Switzerland.
Paul shared his career journey and explained how he has combined his passion for football with STEM throughout his professional life. Students gained a fascinating insight into his experiences working within elite football and alongside world-class players, helping them understand the wide-ranging opportunities available to those with skills in technology and data.
His message was particularly powerful:
“STEM skills in football can open doors into careers that young people may never have considered possible.”
Raising Aspirations Through STEM and Football
The visit reflects the wider ambition of the All SySTEM’s Go! programme, which aims to do more than simply deliver STEM activities.
The programme seeks to raise aspirations, break down barriers and help young people see themselves in future careers, while connecting education with opportunities available within their own communities.
By bringing young people into Turf Moor, connecting them with industry professionals and providing practical opportunities to apply STEM skills, the programme is helping to strengthen links between communities, football and future careers.
Supporting Communities Through the Power of Football
The All SySTEM’s Go! programme is made possible through the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Fund, administered through the Premier League Foundation.
This funding enables football clubs and their charitable foundations to tackle inequality, respond to local challenges and create more inclusive opportunities that help people and communities thrive.
For the students from All Saints’ High School, the experience was far more than a stadium visit. It was an opportunity to see new possibilities, meet professionals who have transformed their passions into careers and discover that STEM has a place at the very heart of the beautiful game.
