Niraj graduated from the Foundation Degree Community Football Coaching and Development and the top-up degree with USW and Preston North End Community and Education Trust (PNECET) in 2021.

Having always loved football, Niraj decided he wanted to have a career in sport. He was already doing martial arts in Taekwondo, played local Sunday league football and quickly became an established member of the PNECET Futsal squad with good ball skills and determination.

From being a quietly confident individual, Niraj’s personality and confidence changed dramatically throughout his studies, as he began to work more independently and learned how to work through problems he faced academically and practically.

Niraj has now become a valued member of part-time staff at Preston North End Community and Education Trust and is a Level 2 Football Coach with good knowledge of Futsal delivering outside of the community program at a local Futsal club where he organises and runs sessions for his age group. He has continued his grassroots coaching and has become a part-time member of staff at a local sports venue offering 5 aside football.

His hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. Graeme, an academic coach and mentor at PNECET said: “Niraj has been a delight to work with since joining the program and worked extremely hard at his coaching methods, whilst also developing a self-belief he can develop his career into something worthwhile and enjoyable. He is courteous and respectful at all times, whilst also seeking out new opportunities to develop.”

Niraj has also put himself forward to support the delivery of Premier League Primary Stars in schools, an initiative that aims to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills through sport.

Jack Mountain from Premier League Primary Stars said: “Niraj has made a significant impact in his role as a community coach and developed a very good work ethic contributing to the success of PNECET in the community”

If you want to make a difference in your community, take a look at our Foundation Degree Community Football Coaching and Development.