Towards the end of 2024, we welcomed Mia from Nelson and Colne College for a week long placement with the charity to introduce her to a range of different skills and jobs that she may want to look into as she gets older.
Mia is currently part of the Burnley Fc in the Community’s Post-16 Girls Programme. The programme gives talented young players between the ages of 16 and 18 the chance to combine academic studies with practical football experience.
Mia began her placement at The Leisure Box, a facility run by the charity, where she learnt all about the building and the impactful sessions that are ran from it.
On her second day, she dedicated her time to Burnley FC in the Community’s Foodbank, where she helped pack parcels for local families in need.
During the week Mia had the opportunity to visit our Health and Wellbeing programmes. She visited the No Nay Never Forget Dementia session and the Extra Time Over 50’s session. It was a wonderful experience for both Mia and our participants, as they shared stories and conversations across generations.
On Thursday, Mia ventured to Whitehough Outdoor Centre. She embraced the outdoors, assisting our team in maintaining the facility during the winter and learning about the nature and experiences we offer to young people.
Mia concluded her week by helping the charity prepare for their main Christmas event of the year, which required a lot of creativity and festive spirit!
Sports Development Manager, Chanelle McManus, shared her thoughts: “We were thrilled to give Mia the opportunity to spend the week with us. There are numerous roles at Burnley FC in the Community that young people might not be aware of, but they offer fantastic and rewarding career paths. We are now planning to offer these placements more frequently to provide students from Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College the chance to develop their skills.”
Mia shared her experience: “I’ve loved my week with the charity. I’ve met so many lovely people, and we’ve had lots of laughs. I’ve also learned many new skills, and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
If you are one of our Sport Academy students in Football, Netball, or Cricket and would like to arrange a work placement, please email Chanelle McManus at Chanelle.Mcmanus@burnleyfc.com.