Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Personal Information
Timeline
Volunteer
Nicholas Birchall

Nicholas Birchall

Preston,Lancashire

Summary

Over 10 years of experience in Sport Development with a focus on football, demonstrating a deep understanding of the sport's landscape. Proven ability to lead and communicate effectively, adapting quickly to new challenges and environments. Skilled in project planning with a strategic vision, capable of executing both short-term and long-term goals. Qualified UEFA B football coach and graduate of The FA Aspiring Leaders Course, committed to contributing to the sport through professional and voluntary efforts.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Head of Women's Football

Blackburn Rovers Football Club
Blackburn, Lancashire
08.2024 - Current
  • Spearheaded strategic initiatives for Women’s football at Blackburn Rovers, fostering high-performance culture.
  • Developed targeted recruitment strategies, attracting top talent and enhanced team competitiveness.
  • Managed a £1.2million operational budgets, optimising resource allocation and increasing efficiency.
  • Oversaw match day operations, ensuring seamless execution of Women’s matches.

Academy Manager

Blackburn Rovers FC
Blackburn, Lancashire
09.2022 - 07.2024
  • Oversaw transition of Blackburn Rovers Football Club Women’s Pathway to ETC and PGA academy, ensuring compliance with FA and WSL criteria.
  • Managed staff recruitment and operations to enhance on-pitch delivery and performance.
  • Led player recruitment and retention strategies for over 100 players, improving academy engagement and success rates.

Football Development Officer-Club & Education Lead

Lancashire FA
, Lancashire
11.2014 - 09.2023
  • Monitored and evaluated project outcomes and KPIs using online systems such as WGS, CRM, Power BI, and Platform for Football.
  • Led County FA Charter Standard programme and Annual Health Check Process for England Football Accreditation.
  • Administered England Football Accreditation Programme and Innovation Fund for Lancashire clubs.
  • Developed new programmes to enhance grassroots club growth in Lancashire.

FA Coach Mentor

The FA
07.2016 - 07.2020
  • Support individual coaches including observations, feedback, one to one meetings and action planning
  • Support clubs and leagues in ensuring they have the correct support mechanisms in place for coaches
  • Submit quarterly reports to The FA

Regional Projects Co-ordinator (NW)

Sports Leaders UK
07.2012 - 11.2014
  • Presentations to schools and colleges on new programmes and updates
  • Deliver leadership training to staff and volunteers in a school, college and University setting
  • Support and Mentor volunteers and school staff after initial tutor training
  • Produce M&E reports using Microsoft Office programs and VIEWS
  • Line manage a team of nine staff whilst working from home, manage a £900,000 budget annual budget.

Sports Project Co-ordinator

Groundwork Lancashire West
Preston, Lancashire
09.2007 - 07.2012
  • Oversaw four projects and five delivery staff in inner city sports programme.
  • Managed staff operations while ensured compliance with funding criteria.
  • Monitored budgets and prepared grant applications.

Education

BA Hons - Sport Development and Physical Education

Liverpool John Moore’s University
Liverpool
09.2003 - 06.2006

A-LEVEL - Five A-Levels

Cardinal Newman College
Preston, Lancashire
09.2001 - 06.2003

G.C.S.E. - Eleven GCSE’s

All Hallows Catholic High School
Preston, Lancashire
09.1996 - 06.2001

Skills

  • Problem-solving
  • Communication skills
  • Strategic planning
  • Leadership
  • Resourcefulness
  • Team building
  • Calm under pressure

References

Available on request

Personal Information

From a young age I have been interested in sport as a spectator and a participant. Throughout my working life I have never lost my enthusiasm for sport, in particular football. I have used this passion through my career in football, I completed my UEFA B football coaching course in 2019. I volunteer at my local club currently managing the U14’s but I have coached multiple teams over the last 18 years from U6’s to adult teams in the local area. I have a keen interest in other sports such as cricket and Formula 1. I believe in keeping a healthy body and healthy mind and regularly attend my local gym, which I have done throughout my adult life. I have a “can do” attitude and take pride in my work both professionally and at home.

Timeline

Head of Women's Football

Blackburn Rovers Football Club
08.2024 - Current

Academy Manager

Blackburn Rovers FC
09.2022 - 07.2024

FA Coach Mentor

The FA
07.2016 - 07.2020

Football Development Officer-Club & Education Lead

Lancashire FA
11.2014 - 09.2023

Regional Projects Co-ordinator (NW)

Sports Leaders UK
07.2012 - 11.2014

Sports Project Co-ordinator

Groundwork Lancashire West
09.2007 - 07.2012

BA Hons - Sport Development and Physical Education

Liverpool John Moore’s University
09.2003 - 06.2006

A-LEVEL - Five A-Levels

Cardinal Newman College
09.2001 - 06.2003

G.C.S.E. - Eleven GCSE’s

All Hallows Catholic High School
09.1996 - 06.2001
Nicholas Birchall