Today some of our Year 9 cohort had the exciting opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into the world of professional sport during a workplace visit to Preston North End Football Club (PNE). As part of our ongoing careers programme, we are committed to ensuring every student experiences a meaningful encounter with the world of work — and this visit delivered exactly that.

A Behind‑the‑Scenes Look at a Major Football Organisation

Throughout the day, students discovered just how many different careers come together to keep a football club running smoothly. Far from being limited to what happens on the pitch, the visit highlighted the wide range of roles that support the club’s success, including:

  • Team Manager & Coaching Staff – exploring leadership, strategy, and player development
  • Stewards & Matchday Operations – understanding safety, crowd management, and event coordination
  • Media & Journalism – seeing how interviews, press releases, and digital content are produced
  • Accounts & Finance – learning how budgeting and financial planning keep the club sustainable
  • Physiotherapy & Sports Science – discovering the science behind player health and performance
  • Professional Players – gaining insight into training routines, discipline, and life as an athlete

Inspiring the Next Generation

Students were able to ask questions, observe professionals at work, and get a real sense of the skills and pathways involved. For many, it opened their eyes to career possibilities they had never previously considered.

This visit forms an important part of our commitment to helping young people make informed choices about their futures. By experiencing a real workplace and meeting professionals face‑to‑face, students can better understand the opportunities available to them — both within sport and beyond.

A Valuable Experience

We are grateful to Preston North End for welcoming our students and providing such an engaging and informative experience. Opportunities like this help our young people build confidence, broaden their horizons, and start imagining the careers they may one day pursue.