Harrison Harwood joined Derby County Community Trust’s Football and Education programme two years ago and says the experience has helped him develop both on and off the pitch.

Now 18, Harrison completes the programme this summer and looks back on his time with pride, describing it as an opportunity to combine his passion for football with his education while spending time with friends in a positive environment.

Harrison said: “I’d say that I enjoyed most of my 2 years, I loved it, I loved the football, I loved the education, I had a lot of time to myself to either be at home or be in the college so I had a lot of time to do whatever I wanted so it was quite fun.”

One of the highlights for Harrison was the strong friendships he built during the programme. When asked what his favourite memory has been on the programme, he said: “Probably being with a lot of my friends all the time – coming to college, seeing them every day and the football side as well, being in something that I love doing and doing it with a load of people that I like to be with, it’s fun.”

Among his proudest moments on the programme was stepping out to play at Pride Park Stadium, an unforgettable moment for all students on the programme.

“It was a good feeling, walking out, going in the changing rooms. It was quite a weird feeling going from away days to different places to home matches to then playing in a big stadium like Pride Park, it was quite a surreal feeling.”

Harrison also credits coach and teacher James Culf with having a major influence on his journey. When asked who has had the biggest influence on his football and education programme journey, Harrison said: “I’d probably say my coach and teacher James, he’s been my coach and teacher for quite a long time over the two years so it was good getting to know him, him getting to know me, and it kind of developed the relationship so it was quite nice.”

The programme has helped Harrison grow in confidence and challenge himself in new situations. He explained: “As a person I think I’ve become more confident and just developed overall in being more confident and putting myself up to challenges.

“As a player I believe I’ve developed in my overall ability and become better at speaking to people.”

With GCSE Results Day approaching, Harrison would encourage prospective students who are considering their next steps to look closely at the Football and Education programme. He said: “Look at what options you have, if you’re looking to stay within sports and do something that’s fun, active, you’re with friends, I’d definitely recommend this.”