EFL Youth Development Week 2025

Image: Nathan Hallett-Young and William Dixon.

Celebrating two inspiring stories from Students to Senior Staff!

This week marks EFL Youth Development Week, a celebration of the incredible work happening across the Championship, League One and League Two to develop the next generation of players, coaches, and staff.

Alongside developing young footballers who can make it in the professional game, the EFL works with League Football Education (LFE) to deliver the Scholarship programme and oversee education across all EFL Clubs.

Here at Bristol Rovers Community Trust, we’re proud to highlight two inspiring journeys that showcase just what’s possible: Will Dixon and Nathan Hallett-Young. Their stories not only celebrate their individual achievements but also demonstrate the vital role EFL clubs play in shaping the future of the game, both on and off the pitch.

From starting as students to now leading programmes that support people of all ages in the same community they grew up in, Will and Nathan embody the growth, opportunity, and career pathways that sport can provide.

BRCT Head of Education, Will Dixon, said:

“As a lifelong fan, I was eager for the chance to study at Bristol Rovers, starting on the BTEC programme before progressing onto the Degree course. That pathway also gave me the opportunity to begin working within the club, where I’ve been able to grow my experience, lead key projects, and take on the role of Head of Inclusion.

Now, having recently been promoted to Head of Education, I’m excited to continue developing our current programmes and showcasing what studying and working at Bristol Rovers can achieve.”

BRCT Operations Manager, Nathan Hallett-Young, said:

“I began my journey with Bristol Rovers in 2012 as a BTEC student before progressing onto the BSc (Hons) Degree course. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved since then - from helping to launch and manage the Bristol Rovers Women’s 1st Team, to now stepping into the role of Operations Manager at the Community Trust.

Over the past 12 years, I’ve gained so much experience and loved every moment, and I’m excited to build on that as I begin this new chapter.”

Both have steadily grown within the Trust year after year - with Will stepping into his new role as Head of Education last month, and Nathan becoming Operations Manager while also managing the Bristol Rovers Women’s first team.

As Youth Development Week continues, we’ll keep celebrating their journeys and shining a light on how Bristol Rovers Community Trust can help shape the next generation of footballers, coaches, and leaders within our community.

#EFLintheCommunity #EFLYouthDevelopmentWeek #BristolRovers #EFL #LFE