Click on each link to read about each Nottingham Forest ambassador. Discover how they got to where they are today, the skills they use and the most exciting things about their jobs. Schools in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire can book our Ambassadors to hear this first hand.
Marketing and Communications Manager, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How I got here
I gained a degree in Public Relations and a master's degree in Football Business. At school, I often
struggled with exams, therefore my way of learning suited BTEC/course work. I found a degree which
combined my passion and interests but also a way of learning that helped me achieve the best
results I could. I have worked across various industries in a marketing role such as, leisure and
hospitality, sport, events and automotive before joining Nottingham Forest Community Trust in
2024.
Throughout working in these different industries, it has improved my experience of using
different marketing tactics and learning new skills which I can take forward with me throughout my
career
What skills do you use in your job?
My role involves using effective communication, content creation, and strategic planning to improve
the awareness of Nottingham Forest Community Trust. I create and deliver engaging messages
through varies channels and multimedia. Collaboration with internal teams and external partners is
crucial to ensure a consistent brand image. I utilise data to help make informed decisions. I work to
enhance visibility and strengthen the reputation of NFCT. In this dynamic position, I bring together
my skills to contribute to the overall success and positive image of Nottingham Forest Community
Trust.
The exciting stuff
I love my job because no day is the same. Each day you are working towards telling a positive story or
encourage change within the community by highlighting the work that is done behind-the-scenes or
the impact it has had. Working in a sport environment is also a privilege because you are
representing one of the biggest clubs in the country.
Career tips for young people
Always think about how you can improve your skillset. Always want to learn new things. Whilst
learning or working, you learn new and transferable skills. Be polite and respectful to everybody you
meet; it goes a long way.
Ask me about
My career and all things marketing such as social media, design, video, how you can use data in
marketing and branding. Advice on how to impress in interviews and make your applications stand
out.
Forest Futures Manager, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How I got here.
After finishing school and taking GCSE’s I did a two-year apprenticeship at Derby County Community Trust. As an apprentice I gained football and personal development qualifications. This included my Football Association and Youth Module coaching badges as well as my Activity Leadership and Sports Development qualifications. I was then a full-time member of staff there for four years.
I joined Nottingham Forest Community Trust in August 2019 and I have worked on many programmes for them. From the start of 2022 I led on the Think Big programme, delivering educational assemblies and workshops to secondary school students in Nottinghamshire.
I now work as the trust’s Mentoring Manager, supporting young people and adults across Nottinghamshire to offer life experiences and further opportunities to develop a new skill set and promote positive changes through sport and educational qualifications.
The skills I use
The exciting stuff
I enjoy my role as I get to build relationships with lots of individuals. It gives me freedom to meet many different people every day from different backgrounds and enjoy having the opportunity to support individuals to develop their futures and make a positive change.
Career tips for young people
Ask me about
Anything about my career. Apprenticeship and employment routes, football/PE coaching, delivering training and tech.
Finance and Operations Coordinator, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How I got here.
I was permanently excluded from secondary school in Year 7. I was rebelling as my parents got divorced and I was struggling with this and with school. I got back into mainstream school in Year 9 and I was able to settle down and achieve my GSCE’s. I joined a BTEC level 3 Diploma in Extended Sport at Nottingham Forest Community Trust and now after a few different job roles within the organisation I have worked myself up to the Finance and Administration Coordinator for the Trust.
The skills I use
The exciting stuff
You might think that finance and dealing with numbers is boring. I don’t think so! I love my job as this allows me to maximise my skills. Working in finance is not just adding numbers up, it is communicating with different people, building relationships with partners and using tech software to help manage and monitor the Trusts finances. I think working for the charity arm of the football club I have supported since I was a little boy is the best thing! Being part of a team with our ethos of togetherness, community and helping others to Think Big and change their lives makes my job amazing.
Career tips for young people
Ask me about
Anything about my career. Being permanently excluded, experiences with parents who got divorced, maximising your skills, tech in finance and working for Nottingham Forest Community Trust.
CEO, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How I got here
Growing up all I ever wanted to be was a professional football player. I left school at 16 and signed a contract with Notts County Football Club to be a professional footballer. Unfortunately a serious injury ended my professional ambitions at 19. I continued my journey in sport and gained a degree in sports science and some professional qualifications. I worked in several jobs before returning to my boyhood club – Nottingham Forest.
The skills I use
The exciting stuff
Growing up I loved Nottingham Forest, so to be in and around the club that I support makes me feel proud and lucky. My job enables me to work with many different people from many different communities, which can be humbling and inspiring.
Career tips for young people
Ask me about
My career. Football, adversity and challenge, leadership, management, building confidence, having a plan, being you.
Think Big Coordinator, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How I got here
I joined Nottingham Forest Community Trust as a student in 2015 after leaving school to study a BTEC Level 3 in sport and exercise During this time I spent many hours volunteering in the community. When I turned 17, I worked at JD Sports which taught me different ways of communicating with people and showing positive customer service, which has supported me to get where I am today.
I wanted to pursue a career in sport so after college I went on graduate from university with a degree in community football coaching, Business, Development and Administration. Following on from this I started working at Nottingham Forest Community Trust as a Coach and Coordinating Community Engagement programmes before taking on the role as Think Big Coordinator.
The skills I use
My job relies on me having to keep close relationships with different organisations and schools.
I have to use different communication skills in person, over the phone and digitally to do my job.
I have good people skills.
I have good team working skills.
The exciting stuff
The best thing about my job is being able to give young people the opportunity to take part in fun and engaging workshops which they may never engage with.
I really enjoy this job because not only does it have the administration side to it but being able to visit different schools and colleges to deliver workshops and assembly’s make my job differ from day to day.
Career tips for young people
Ask me about
Anything about my career, opening door to opportunities in sports, education opportunities without having to sit exams and apprenticeships.
Premier League Primary Stars Coordinator, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How did you get to where you are today?
I joined Nottingham Forest Community Trust in 2021, however my career in the sports industry started back in 2008 when I started volunteering at my local club, Mansfield Town FC. This career path nearly didn’t happen though, as upon leaving school I came close to going into the motor trade, like my father, that would have been trading out my ambitions for parents approval. Over my 15 years in the industry have gained multiple qualifications and held various roles, from football coach too programme coordinator. I’ve also experienced working in other countries, coaching football out in America before gaining my role at Nottingham Forest.
What skills do you use in your job?
My job requires me to use a variety of skillsets, with my roles including managing a team and delivering community activities. I have good leadership skills that help me manage, lead and support a team of people. Communication skills support me to interacting with both adults and children in a professional and friendly manner. I’m resilient and adaptable, allowing me to overcome obstacles and re-adjust when needed.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I love my job because I get to interact with lots of different of people every day, from members of my team and Nottingham Forest staff too teachers and children. I get a real buzz out of representing the club I support and city I live in, and still in awe when I see the ground when arriving for work. I never get bored, with something always happening or needing my support. I work with some amazing people too, who all do their best to make a positive impact across Nottinghamshire.
What could young people do to get a job like yours?
Find something you enjoy, if you get enjoyment out of your job it never feels like work. Listen and learn from others, ‘every days a school day’ and a chance to increase your knowledge and understanding. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, everyone needs it from time to time, and don’t be afraid to take on new challenges or opportunities, you never know where it could lead you!
What would you like to talk about?
Community/Sport Industry, Grassroots Football & Youth Development, changing career paths, working abroad, benefits of tech in community programmes, leadership.
Education Lead Coach, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How did you get to where you are today?
I did an apprenticeship as a community activator coach with Trent Bridge Community Trust. This allowed me to gain experience in delivering PE sessions in primary schools. Alongside the apprenticeship I did my Level 2 in football coaching. After the apprenticeship I managed to get a job at Nottingham Forest Community Trust delivering Primary Stars a role where I had to deliver PE, English and Maths lessons to Primary school pupils. I then moved on to become the lead coach on the BTEC football programme a role that I am currently in now.
What skills do you use in your job?
My job relies on me being able to make and keep relationships with the players and the education staff to allow us all to work together well. I use different communication skills, this is to make sure the messages I am trying to give the players are clear and understood. I have co-ordination and organisation skills. I use these to make sure all three teams have fixtures, referees and know where and when they are playing and training.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I love my job because it is exactly what I wanted to do. I get to coach football everyday. I feel like I am improving the people that I am coaching. I get a lot of satisfaction from the things i do day to day.
What could young people do to get a job like yours?
Be reliable and consistent in everything you do. Never do a Job half heartedly try. This is easier when you do something that you enjoy or want to do. So consider the things you study and chose them wisely to help you in the long run.
What would you like to talk about?
Where/How to start coaching, anything about careers in football, how to overcome barriers faced.
Think Big Assistant, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How I got here
When I was in year 13 studying for my A-Levels, we went into national lockdown due to covid, so my school life was cut short and my exams were cancelled. I didn’t want to sit around waiting for my A-Level results to be decided for me, so I got a job in a supermarket to make use of myself. My lockdown job helped me to keep my spirits high during uncertain times, and gain new workplace skills in such a unique situation. Following the lift of lockdown restrictions, I started a course at Nottingham Trent University. Whilst studying at university I got a part time job in the Nottingham Forest club shop, and that is how I eventually heard about the job I am in now!
The skills I use
My role requires me to be good at time keeping, I have assemblies and workshops to deliver in different locations every day, so I have to be prepared and know where I need to be each hour. I also have to be a good communicator, and be able to read situations well. When out on delivery I am working with young people from a range of different backgrounds, so sometimes I need to adapt my approach to best engage my audience.
The exciting stuff
On Think Big it is important that we are giving young people new opportunities. I find it really exciting inspiring a new generation of young people, and seeing their interest in their own futures grow over the course of the programme.
Career tips for young people
If there’s something you are interested in doing, don’t wait to get started, see what you can do right away in order to get to where you want to be. Your aspirations for yourself will keep changing over time, so it’s all about doing what makes you happy and taking every exciting opportunity that comes your way!
Ask me about
Working for Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Nottingham Forest, moving away for work/university, working in schools, public speaking, anything Think Big.
Finance and Administration Manager, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How I got here
I joined Nottingham Forest Community Trust as a Receptionist in 2018 after having different administration jobs in other businesses. I left school aged 16 following my GCSEs. As my results were not the best I decided to return to part-time education to study A Levels a few years later. I am now the Senior Finance and Administration Co-Ordinator for the Trust. When I was a teenager, I worked in a hairdressers and a food factory.
The skills I use
The exciting stuff
I love my job because football is such an exciting environment to work within. My role is varied and very busy so I’m never bored. I thoroughly enjoy working within a great team which offers many programmes to the local community which both benefits and inspires them. I also have an insight into what happens behind the scenes and it is great to see how programmes develop from ideas to delivery.
Career tips for young people
Ask me about
Anything about my career. Finance and administration. Working within a community trust.
Community Engagement Coordinator, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How I got here.
I started sports coaching once I left college and started working in Primary schools delivering sports. I then moved to America and carried on sports coaching whilst I was there. After returning, I got an Officer role at Notts County foundation and worked there for 3 years delivering sports and building partnerships with local schools. I have then recently got the job role at NFCT as the Community Engagement Coordinator.
The skills I use
My job relies on me being able to build and maintain relationships with partners and participants. I use my knowledge and skills to come across as professional, friendly, and trustworthy. I like to be a good leader and influence people. Positive communication is something I always like to use to make sure I can be a good leader and ensure everyone is feeling positive.
The exciting stuff
I love my job because I get to mix with different people from all backgrounds. I get to watch football being played every day and meet the first team players when I am working a matchday. My job is exciting because there are new challenges every day and no day is the same.
Career tips for young people
Be open to new experiences and opportunities. Try and find course and roles that you enjoy doing because you will enjoy the job that you are in. Try to build up as much of a network of people which will help you with your career in the future.
Ask me about
Football coaching
Schools Manager, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How I got here.
I joined Nottingham Forest Community Trust in 2019 after working at an inner-city primary school for 9 years. I have a diploma in sports and exercise science, a degree in sport and coaching, a Level 3 teaching assistant and a Level 2 youth work qualification. I’ve worked on the Premier League Primary Stars programme and the Premier League Kicks programme. I work on the Premier League Primary Starts programme now.
The skills I use
The exciting stuff
I am passionate about my job and enjoy all the different people I get to meet every day; it’s always different and never boring. It’s a privilege to work for the football club I grew up supporting and use the power of football and the NFFC badge to make a positive difference across communities in the city and county.
Career tips for young people
Ask me about
Anything about my career, primary education in sport and PE, how to use tech to help promote programmes, how to network/build relationships with organisations and people.
Head of Fan Engagement, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
How did you get to where you are today?
I joined Nottingham Forest in 2016 working in the Megastore whilst studying for a degree in International Relations at Nottingham Trent University. Upon graduating in 2018, I joined the Hospitality department as a Commercial Sales Executive, before moving into a Marketing role in 2021. I now work as the club’s Marketing & Fan Engagement Manager with a specific interest in supporter relations, international growth, and protecting and promoting the history and brand of the club.
What skills do you use in your job?
My job relies on me being able to develop relationships with numerous stakeholders of the club, from senior staff to club partners, ex-players, and key personnel at supporters’ groups all over the world. The ability to manage multiple projects at once is crucial to the success of my job role and this is managed by working towards the most pressing deadlines. My role also requires me to be creative and up to date with the latest trends within sport to deliver marketing campaigns such as kit launches.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is the buzz around working on matchdays. Each matchday is different depending on what activity we have going on in and around the stadium. I help to deliver engaging matchday activations including pitch walkouts with celebrity fans, Q&A’s with Forest Legends, partner giveaways, assisting fan groups to deliver ‘tifo’ displays and much more.
What could young people do to get a job like yours?
Say yes to every opportunity. You never know who you might meet, or what you might learn. Before working at the Club, I never considered a career working in football, but now I’ve been able to travel to other club’s and countries and seen just how big the industry is and what amazing opportunities and job roles there are out there.
What would you like to talk about?
Education. I struggled at school and failed sixth form. But whilst it’s important to work hard in school, ultimately, it isn’t what defines you. I’m also happy to talk about sports marketing, fan engagement, work ethic and how I use technology in my day-to-day job.
