Rams open their doors to five lucky students in the What’s Your Goal? initiative.
Five enthusiastic young hopefuls were last week given a fantastic opportunity to work within Derby County, courtesy of the npower ‘What’s Your Goal?’ initiative.
The Year 10 and 11 students spent four days working in one of various departments of Pride Park Stadium.
The scheme was launched by npower to give students the opportunity to experience life at a Football Club at first hand, under the guidance of a mentor. It is hoped that the skills that they had developed over the course of the four days would be useful when applying for jobs in the future, specifically in the football industry.
Students had to apply for the placements through an online application form, with a strict deadline to adhere to. The standard of entries was extremely high, and the judging panel had a tough choice when selecting the five lucky students who would be granted this opportunity.
Caitlin Higgins, a student from Merrill Academy, said: “It has given me a terrific insight and real experience of what it’s like to be involved with a football environment. It enabled me to gain confidence and it helped me to find new ways to apply my personal skills and qualities.”
The 14-year-old focused on PR and Marketing throughout her time at the club.
Another individual that took part in the scheme was student Rory Davis.
He said: “My experience has been beyond my expectations. It helped me that all the coaches are young and friendly. Whilst I’ve been here I’ve had chance to do 1-to-1 work, refereeing and I have helped out during sessions and I enjoy it. My favourite part of this opportunity would be working with the goal keepers at the holiday camps”.
The placements were part of a national scheme called ‘What’s Your Goal’ which was hosted by Football League Clubs nationwide.
The project includes all 72 clubs in the Football League offering 300 work experience placements at local clubs.
Lifelong Derby County fan, Rob Ainley, from John Flamsteed School, was tending to the hallowed turf all week to find out what it takes to be a groundsman.
He said: “I couldn’t believe the attention to detail involved, to manage and maintain all of the pitches. It has been such an eye opening experience that has given me a lot of confidence moving forwards into the world of employment.”
Katie Tague from Saint Benedicts Catholic School, spent her working week in the Ticket Office. She said: “It has been a great experience and it has given me more confidence, I have developed my skills of working in a team and work place. I can also work to a deadline better and be aware of schedules. I have enjoyed socialising with the office colleges and have gained a lot from this experience”.
This is the second year running that Derby County have opened their doors for the npower ‘Whats Your Goal’ initiative. The programme is an excellent opportunity for youngsters to experience a valuable insight into what it’s like to work in the world of football.
Any local schools that are interested in receiving a careers session from the club for 2013014 should contact: Adam Thorley, Derby County Community Trust, Pride Park Stadium, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8XL or email adam.thorley@dcfc.co.uk.
