Student Name: Daisy
Pathways Programme: Pathways to Charity and Development
Internship Role: Charity Development Assistant
Internship Employer: Torquay United Community Sports Trust
Summary of Organisation: Torquay United Community Sports Trust exists to provide opportunities for all sections of our community, using sport and healthy living to drive up aspiration and participation. We provide ourselves in showing professionalism in everything we do, offering a consistent quality service, building new partnerships across the community and working closely with Torquay United Football Club. It is a great honour to be in the charitable arm of Torquay United, celebrating the rich history of our football club, while forging a new and inclusive relationship with the whole community. We want to grow engagement with all sectors of society and use the incredible power of sport to inspire people of all ages and abilities to reach their personal goals.
Please briefly outline the project/tasks/responsibilities you worked on during your Professional Pathways internship:
“My responsibilities focused on securing funding for key community initiatives such as Torquay United Inspirations and Walking Football, including applying for ten grants and drafting sponsorship proposals to potential hotel partners. I also proposed improvements to the Trustās website and social media platforms to enhance engagement and visibility.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend the Torquay United FC Flight Club Breakfast, where I gained valuable insight into local charity and business networks. This experience deepened my understanding of the charity sector and the strategic efforts required to sustain and grow community-focused programmes.”
What achievement(s) were you particularly proud of during your Pathways internship?
“One of the achievements Iām most proud of during my internship was successfully identifying and applying for ten relevant grants to support Torquay United Community Sports Trustās vital community programmes, helping lay the groundwork for sustained funding. I also took the initiative to explore new sponsorship opportunities by researching and approaching local hotel partners – drafting and sending tailored proposals to encourage their support.”
Given the Professional Pathways internship is 35 hours in total, what advice would you give to other students to ensure they gain as much as possible from the experience?
“To ensure you gain as much as possible from the experience, I would recommend being proactive, asking questions, and showing a genuine interest in the organisationās mission. Keeping an open mind is also keyāyou may discover strengths or interests you hadnāt previously considered. Additionally, itās important to set clear boundaries on what you can realistically achieve within the 35 hours, so you can focus your time and energy effectively without spreading yourself too thin or becoming overwhelmed.”
Why would you recommend the Professional Pathways programme to other students?
“I would highly recommend the Professional Pathways programme to other students because it offers a unique and structured opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a specific sector. For me, the programme provided insight into the charity and development sector that I wouldnāt have gained through academic study alone. It helped clarify my career interests, enhanced my CV, and gave me a sense of purpose by contributing to impactful community work – all within a supportive and well-organised framework.”