George Blackshaw a BA (Hons) Football Business & Marketing student, has represented England Disabled Golf team, played for Everton Amputees and was even an Olympic Torchbearer in 2012. Determined not to let his disability prevent him from getting involved in sport, the UCFB Etihad Campus student now competes on the international stage, all while studying a relevant degree.
Here, George tells us about his success both on the putting green and in the classroom…
Tell us about your time so far as an England Disabled Golf Player.
I started playing golf when I was around 14 years old. As a double amputee I love challenging myself with new things and as soon as I started golf I was hooked. My journey with golf started with just playing socially with my Dad and brothers. As I got older and my game improved I started getting involved in Disability events around the country and Europe.
I’ve had lots of amazing golfing experiences including being on TV adverts for golf’s lead retail company American Golf. This all led to being selected to represent England at Disabled Golf which is a huge honour and something that I’m very proud of. It’s truly inspiring to witness and play with other disability golfers who don’t let their disability stop them doing anything.
You were also an Everton Amputee Football Player. Tell us about this role and how football ‘changed your life’?
I’ve loved football since I was an early age and played since the age of four. Since the pandemic, I haven’t played as much as I would like to but being part of Everton Amputee football team, it was such a great community and the support everyone has for each other is truly amazing. I also used to play for Man City Pan-Disability Team and trained at the CFA which was incredible!
How do you balance your competitive sport with your studies?
It is important for me to put my studies first, ahead of my competitive sport, but it also motivates me if I have a competition ahead that I finish the assignment before I start my golf competition. I just have to make sure I am organised with my studies, it’s also nice to have a break in the day to practice my golf, football and tennis.
How have you found your time at UCFB as a disabled student?
I’ve found it great, I absolutely love it here. The support available has been fantastic and there’s always been someone from the support team emailing me to make sure everything is well and offering their help if I need any.
What have been some of the highlights of your BA (Hons) Football Business & Marketing programme so far?
It’s all been fantastic and being able to study something that I’ve always had such a passion for is so much fun. The marketing side of it and being able to find out what the future may hold with developing technologies is really interesting. I’ve had a great interest in marketing ever since I first started studying at A-Level and to be able to intertwine the football world and marketing is really fantastic.
How have you found being a student in Manchester?
The first year was difficult with the Covid-19 pandemic as most of the lectures were online. I actually live from home and commute into university but being able to walk into the centre of Manchester or get the tram from the stadium is so great, being able to explore the busy city centre attractions.
What advice would you pass onto anyone looking to study at UCFB?
I would just say enjoy it as much as you can. I’m sure everyone will love their time here, there’s nothing not to like. The community around the place is fantastic and everyone is made to feel very welcome. To be able to have access to such unbelievable facilities also adds to the overall experience. If you get involved and make friends then it’ll be some of the best years of your life.
