A Shropshire teenager with a lifelong passion for sport has landed her dream job at Telford College.
Maia Preston, 18, from Priorslee, has been recruited as a female football development officer, based at the college’s Haybridge campus.
The former Hadley Learning Community student completed a level three extended diploma in sport at the college before securing the new apprenticeship position.
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She said the two-year course had given her the knowledge and experience she needed to beat off many other applicants for the post – including several of her classmates.
“I’m proud of myself for getting this opportunity – it’s the perfect start to my career in the sports industry.”
Maia has played football for several female teams across the county, including Oswestry, Telford, and most recently Albrighton.
Her new role at the college is in partnership with AOC Sport and the ECFA, the national governing body for football at further education colleges.
It involves helping to increase female football participation within the college and local community, with the potential to also get involved in campaigns at a national level.
Ashley Bowler, learner manager for sport at Telford College, said: “We are delighted to have Maia in this role to develop female football here at the college.
“She is a clear example of how hard work and the right attitude can lead to further opportunities; she was previously an excellent student here at the college with a clear passion
for football.
“We are very excited about the work that Maia will be carrying out, and look forward to seeing
the impact she can make in raising the profile of the women’s game, working in partnership with Shropshire FA.”
As part of Maia’s apprenticeship induction, she went to the University of Warwick for a three-day residential trip and met representatives from the ECFA, and apprentices from other parts of the country.
