The Blackburn with Darwen Secondary Schools League is made up of five age groups (Year 7 – Year 11) and there are two leagues (Premier Division and Championship) for each age group.
Years 7, 8 and 9 leagues will be sponsored by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, whilst the Years 10 and 11 leagues will be sponsored by Blackburn Rovers Sports College.
The school league matches take place on week nights and the new partnership signifies Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and Blackburn Rovers Sports College’s aim to encourage success through sport and team work.
The partnership also present an opportunity for Year 10 and 11 students to learn more about Blackburn Rovers Sports College for when they plan their next steps after completing high school.
As part of the agreement, schools will create displays to recognise the partnership and promote this internally and to all parents and guardians. All press releases or updates from schools containing results or a match report will make reference to the Community Trust or Sports College.
Ben Pickup, Head of Year 7 at Pleckgate, said: “Blackburn with Darwen Secondary Schools are incredibly grateful to Blackburn Rovers Community Trust for their generous sponsorship of our local secondary school football leagues.
Their support has provided essential equipment, medals, and trophies that make these leagues possible, offering more young people the chance to participate in competitive sport.
“This partnership not only enriches our students’ experiences but also strengthens the connection between a historic club and the young people of Blackburn. We aspire to develop and grow this partnership for years to come in the hope that we inspire the next generation of players and supporters of Blackburn Rovers.
Ockert Erasmus, Head of Further and Higher Education at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, added: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Blackburn with Darwen Secondary Schools Football League.
“We work very closely with all of the high schools in the local area, and this is another example of working in collaboration to support and encourage students to participate in sport.
“It also provides us with more opportunities to show why Blackburn Rovers Sports College is an option after they leave high school – especially if they have an interest in sport and want to take that interest further by studying at the home of Blackburn Rovers.”
