Georgia’s story – Bristol City Community Trust
As part of International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the fantastic transformation of participants who believe that working with our Community Trusts have given them incredibly valuable experiences as they look to progress in their careers and studies.
Georgia Ward, aged 18, was a very shy and quiet individual when she first signed up with with Bristol City Community Trust (BCCT), but at the end of her course, involving education and playing Futsal, her hard work, determination and development in confidence enabled her to achieve her dream of securing a scholarship in America.
Making the decision to start a course in a new place around new people is never easy for any 16-year-old, and Georgia initially found this part difficult.
However, over the two years on the course, she came out of her shell and her confidence soared. She believes it’s the best decision she ever made.
She said: “It was a tough decision to study at Bristol City Community Trust as it meant going to a different place to all of my friends and meeting new people.
“I’m so glad I did it though, it has been a great experience and it’s definitely helped me get closer to my goals as the only path I see for me is one in the sports industry.”
Before playing futsal for the first time with BCCT, Georgia had a huge passion for football and states that she wasn’t sure about the differences between the two sports at first, but in time realised the many benefits that the smaller sided game has to offer.
“BCCT have helped me to improve massively in both the skilful and control side as well as helping to make quick decisions.”
During her time on her course, Georgia really made the most of the Clubs fantastic reputation in the community [Bristol City Community Trust were recently voted South West EFL Community Club of the Year 2019] by volunteering and engaging in over 200 hours of work experience.
Georgia had the opportunity to work alongside talented coaches and inspire a younger generation of children.
Chloe Rogers, Sports Lecturer at Bristol City Community Trust, who was Georgia’s coach at the time said: “To witness the development of Georgia’s confidence and watch her go from a quiet and shy individual to presenting in front of the other students and inspiring many little girls around our community as a volunteer coach is so fulfilling.
“Her work was always at a high standard and the endless amount of effort she put into helping the community was so impressive, from volunteering on our holiday camps, taster sessions, sports days, Bristol City Women’s matches and in primary schools with Maths and English. She really was a model student.
“As a reward for hitting a certain amount of volunteering hours we presented Georgia with a signed first-team shirt.
“However showing what a kind hearted girl she is and her passion for helping the community, she auctioned it off and donated the money to a local charity.”
After successful completion of the course, BCCT supported Georgia’s dream of playing in America and after organising her athlete profile she received a number of offers from colleges all over the USA. In the end, she chose to take advantage of a scholarship at Parkland College.
This is what Georgia had to say about her experience so far:
“After spending a couple of days in the nearest big city, Chicago, and moving in, meeting my roommates, the rest of the team and the coaches, I am very pleased with my decision.
“I would just like to thank everyone who was part of my experience at BCCT as I don’t know where I would be without it!”
