This month, we’re proud to feature Luke Morgan, a Weston College alumnus who has carved out a career in the world of professional football. Luke is now a First Team Football Analyst at Bristol City Football Club, and his journey from classroom to pitch-side is a true inspiration for aspiring sports professionals. 

Who are you and what is your current job role? 

My name is Luke Morgan, and I’m currently the First Team Football Analyst at Bristol City Football Club. My role involves watching, filming, and analysing the technical and tactical aspects of the team’s performance. I focus on analysing upcoming opposition teams to help develop game plans and tactics, as well as reviewing our own training sessions and matches. On match days, I’m in the stadium providing clips and information to coaches and players in real time, helping us to review and improve performance. 

Can you share a bit about your journey from Weston College to where you are today? 

After finishing my studies at Weston College, where I completed the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, I achieved the grades I needed to progress to the University of Bath to study for a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. It was a four-year course, including a placement year that gave me my first real taste of working in professional sport. 

During that placement year, I began working with a company in Durham that provided analysis support for a range of sports, including Durham County Cricket, Scotland Badminton, and England Rugby. That experience sparked my interest in performance analysis. After completing my final year at Bath, I went on to study for an MSc in Sports Performance Analysis at the University of Gloucestershire. 

As part of that postgraduate course, I worked full-time with Bristol City Football Club’s Women’s First Team. After completing my studies, I was fortunate to secure a full-time position with the club, initially working with the Men’s U21 and academy teams. Over time, I progressed into my current role with the Men’s First Team, where I was part of the backroom staff during the club’s first playoff finish in 17 years. 

Weston College played an integral part in that journey. It was the springboard that gave me both academic grounding and personal confidence to move into higher education and, eventually, professional sport. 

Many young people feel pressured to have their entire career mapped out early on. How did your own career path evolve over time? 

Growing up, I was completely obsessed with sports. If I wasn’t playing, I would be watching it! I knew I wanted to work in sport, but I didn’t have a specific career in mind. What mattered most was following something I enjoyed. Going to Weston College was the first step in turning that passion into a possible career. The course helped me understand the range of opportunities within sport and gave me the platform to progress to university. 

At university, I discovered new areas within sport, especially through practical experience. That’s where I realised the importance of gaining real-world placements and internships. It wasn’t until I began my MSc at 23 that I really started to specialise in analysis. My career path wasn’t mapped out from the beginning, but being open to learning, developing, and exploring different options helped me find the right direction. 

Are there any pivotal moments or unexpected opportunities that shaped your career? 

There were definitely several key moments. At Weston College, the support and encouragement I received were crucial in helping me achieve the grades to attend the University of Bath. I was also given valuable career advice, including not specialising too early and keeping an open mind. 

Placements and internships played a huge role, too. Throwing myself into those experiences allowed me to develop the real-world skills needed for a career in professional sports. I also learned the importance of taking initiative and actively seeking opportunities, rather than waiting for them to appear. Of course, there’s always an element of timing and luck, but positioning yourself in the right place and being ready to take opportunities when they arise makes all the difference. 

What advice would you give to students who feel uncertain about their future career path? 

Strip it back to basics: focus on what you enjoy and what you’re good at. If you’re unsure, ask for support and explore different options. Don’t feel pressured into a fixed path - there are many routes to success. And remember, choosing one path doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever. Be open and adaptable; there’s always another opportunity around the corner if something doesn’t feel right. 

In the words of Ted Lasso: “Be curious.” 

This term, Weston College Level 1 students enjoyed an unforgettable residential trip to Mendip Activity Centre, designed to help them build confidence, teamwork, and life skills.  

To ensure every learner could take part, two groups attended across a three-day week, each experiencing a full schedule of outdoor challenges and team-building activities. Students took part in rock climbing, archery, axe throwing, air rifle shooting, and Mission Impossible, all of which encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones and work collaboratively with their peers from different courses.  

Upon arrival, students settled into the Basecamp Tented Village, staying in glamp house tents, bell tents, and bunk tents. They also enjoyed cooked dinners, continental breakfasts, and packed lunches throughout their stay to keep them energised throughout their activities. Evenings included organised group sessions and reflective discussions, helping students’ bond and share their experiences.  

The residential provided a valuable enrichment opportunity, supporting students’ personal, social, and practical development. Through outdoor learning, they strengthened their communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, while also enhancing their independence and resilience. Not only this, taking part in these activities promoted physical health and mental wellbeing whilst strengthening friendships and bonds across a range of subject areas.  

David Eddins, Managing Director and CEO of Mendip Activity Centre, said:  

“Hosting Weston College’s residential was a privilege. Over the course of a week, we watched students push boundaries, connect with one another, and discover what they’re capable of. Outdoor learning has this incredible ability to build confidence and teamwork in a way the classroom can’t. It gives young people the space to grow, fail safely, and succeed together.” 

“The activities at Mendip challenge, inspire, and encourage real-world thinking - building leadership, communication, and resilience: the skills every young person needs.” 

Gary Durant, the Deputy Principal for Curriculum and Quality at Weston College, said: 

“At Weston College, we want to help form well-rounded individuals who leave the college feeling prepared for their future and enriched from a range of opportunities within the college. This residential trip was an excellent experience for Level 1 students across all disciplines to develop both personally and professionally by building confidence, teamwork, and communication skills that are valuable in education and future careers." 

This residential trip forms part of a range of Level 1 courses across different Careers Excellence Hubs. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

@westoncollege Weston College Level 1 students take a residential trip to @mendipactivitycentre ♬ original sound - WestonCollege

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career. 

Weston College is delighted to announce the appointment of Jane Hadfield as the College’s new Chair of Governors, effective from 5th November.

Jane succeeds Tim Jackson, who has served as Interim Chair of Governors since the summer of 2024. We are deeply grateful for Tim’s integrity, dedication, and steady leadership during this period, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for his invaluable contribution to the College community.

Jane brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and ambition to her new role. In her professional career, she serves as the National Lead for NHS Apprenticeships and was a member of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education Board. Her deep commitment to supporting people through education and skills development perfectly reflects Weston College’s people-centred values.

Earlier this year, Jane was recognised nationally as the national winner of the Special Recognition Award at the Apprenticeship & Training Awards. This honour celebrated her tireless work in transforming apprenticeship pathways across the NHS, creating opportunities that have empowered thousands of individuals to gain new skills, grow in confidence, and progress in their careers. Her leadership has not only raised the profile of apprenticeships but also demonstrated a steadfast belief in the potential of every learner, values that resonate strongly with Weston College’s mission.

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Jane as our new Chair of Governors. Jane has many connections with Weston College – she has lived in North Somerset for 40 years, her daughter studied here, and through her role within the NHS, she has worked closely with us to deliver cohorts of apprentices.

“Jane’s integrity, compassion, and ambition shine through everything she does. She has a clear passion for supporting our learners and the wider community, and we look forward to working closely with her as we embark on an exciting new chapter in Weston College’s journey towards becoming an extraordinary college.

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to our outgoing Chair, Tim Jackson, for his commitment and wise counsel over the past 18 months. It has been a privilege to work alongside him, and on behalf of everyone at Weston College Group, I offer our heartfelt appreciation for his service and support.”

Jane Hadfield, new Chair of Governors at Weston College, said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be taking on the role of Chair of Governors at Weston College. The College plays such an important role in supporting the local community – something I feel deeply passionate about.

“I am particularly looking forward to helping widen participation and improve access to education and training opportunities across our region, enabling people from all backgrounds to thrive and grow.”