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Pupils from Nethergate Academy were recently given a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest Football Club, as part of the Think Big programme – a joint technology-focused initiative delivered by Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Ideagen.

The day kicked off with a short employability-focused workshop aimed at helping students develop their understanding of key workplace skills. The session introduced topics like teamwork, communication, and community engagement – all within the context of careers in sport and beyond.

The highlight of the day, however, was an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium. Pupils were given access to areas rarely seen by the public, including the home dressing rooms, players’ dugout, and the Nottingham Forest Museum.

As they made their way through the ground, students were challenged to spot and discuss the role of technology in a Premier League setting – from pitch maintenance and broadcasting to performance analysis and security.

In a creative twist on retail and fundraising, the group also took part in a challenge tied to Ideagen’s ongoing work with Rainbows Hospice. Each student was given a £25 budget to spend in the Forest Megastore – both to select a personal item and to identify potential products that could be raffled to raise more than their original value for charity.

Following this exciting day, pupils will now take part in a series of follow-up workshops held both in school and at Ideagen’s offices in Ruddington. These sessions will focus on:

✅ Understanding personal values and how they shape career paths

✅ Learning more about Ideagen and the workplace environment

✅Exploring the challenge of designing and delivering a fundraising activity for Rainbows Hospice

The first workshop includes a values-based learning session, and time for planning and preparation. Pupils will later visit Ideagen for an immersive day featuring an office tour, team discussions, and the creation of a JustGiving page, enhanced with AI tools and digital communications.

Mel Kirk, Vocational Lead at Nethergate Academy, reflected on the value of the programme: “The Think Big programme continues to have a huge impact on our students.

“Taking learning out of the classroom and into real-world settings like the City Ground or a professional office helps our young people absorb and apply knowledge in a meaningful way.

“As a SEND school, having access to a tailored and aspirational curriculum like this is incredibly important.

“We’ve engaged with the programme since it launched in 2022, and each year different pupils take part. It’s fantastic to see how they grow in confidence and benefit from these unique experiences.”

Now in its fourth year, Think Big continues to bridge the gap between education and employability, offering young people the chance to develop skills, grow in confidence, and take part in meaningful technology workshops that support their personal and professional growth.