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Teen aims for dream sports job to inspire others

Shaun Peel
BBC News, Bedfordshire
Martin Giles/BBC 17-year-old Aidan smiling at the camera. He has short auburn hair and is standing outside on a sunny day, and there is a school building in the background. Martin Giles/BBC
Aidan says he is determined to avoid becoming an unemployment statistic

A teenager has said he hopes his determination to achieve his dream job will "help other people with special educational needs who want a specific career".

Aidan, from Luton, was named BBC East Young Reporter of the Year 2024, and wants to pursue a career in sports journalism.

The 17-year-old, who has dyspraxia and an atrial septal defect, is studying at Weatherfield Academy in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.

"Being academically challenged, my path to this will be different to other people - it will be a learning journey for me, and will hopefully help other young people," he said.

Aidan smiling at the camera from the BBC commentary box at a football game. He is wearing a grey beany hat and the football pitch is visible in the background
Aidan was invited to join the BBC Three Counties commentary team at Kenilworth Road

Aidan, who is a big Luton Town fan and goes to as many home games as he can, produces video reports of the games on his phone and uploads them to social media.

After being named as East winner in the BBC competition, he was invited by the sports team at BBC Three Counties to join them in the commentary box. It gave him taste of where he wants to be.

"Just because I have special needs and health conditions and find life challenging, there is still a way I could have my dream job," he explained.

"It was great being in the commentary box so thanks to them for that."

For the last six years, the BBC Young Reporter scheme has worked with schools, colleges and youth groups to provide 11-18 year olds with an opportunity to tell their stories to a real audience.

BBC editors and senior reporters chose the 15 winners from hundreds of entries submitted from across the UK.

Family photo Aidan wearing a red and white Luton Town football shirt looking at the camera. He is standing on a football pitch.Family photo
Aidan plays in goal for Leighton Town Youth Football Club and would also like to highlight pan-disability football

Aidan and his family hope he can continue his education and then find the right career and avoid becoming one of the thousands of 16-24 year olds not in employment, education or training.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of 16-24 year olds in this position is at a 10-year high of 946,000.

"I want to be the next Gary Lineker or Alan Shearer," he said.

"I also hope it will help other people with special educational needs who want a specific career, but the normal path is very different than for someone who is more academically able.

"This is going to be my year."

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