Community Engagement Lead: Peter Boase
Last week, our first ever Community Engagement Lead started his role at Oldham Athletic Community Trust. Peter Boase has officially joined the organisation and we sat down to get to know him a little better.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and your journey to finding this role?
I am a sport fanatic, with football being my main passion, followed by cricket, golf and cycling. I have recently graduated from UCFB with a degree in Physical Education. Whilst at UCFB, I gained experience working with sporting organisations such as Lancashire Cricket, British Triathlon and England Lacrosse. I always aimed to become a PE teacher but a visit to Melbourne and Sydney for a sport summit changed my career aim. For a week, I was based in Melbourne Cricket Ground with different daily guest speakers from the Australian sport landscape. I had a realisation that I wanted a career in sport rather than teaching. Learning in the Etihad Stadium with UCFB and spending time in some of Australia’s most iconic sport venues, I wanted my future to also be surrounded by sporting venues.
Graduating during the Covid-19 pandemic with an aim to go into sport has not been the easiest. When this dream role came up here at OACT I was incredibly excited, and I cannot wait to get out and start making a positive impact in the community.
Q. You have joined OACT as the first Community Engagement Lead, what are your plans for the role thus far?
Firstly, I want to get up to speed with all the current projects that OACT support. From there, I will have a good understanding on the gaps in community engagement and can start to bring other projects to those that need it the most. My long-term aim is to raise the community engagement in Oldham with OACT at the forefront.
Q. What have you been up to so far in your role?
I have introduced myself to several key partners and planned meetings over the next couple of weeks. These meetings will be vital to understand how we can improve the existing projects but also introduce potential projects for the future. I have settled in quickly with the team here at OACT, building relationships that will allow me to ensure the current and future projects are delivered exceptionally.
Q. How do you think you can benefit the community of Oldham in your role?
I aim to bring more opportunities for children and adults to participate in physical activity. I am from Oldham, and I know there are a lot of communities in Oldham that do not get the opportunities compared to those in more affluent areas. The projects that I aim to bring to Oldham through OACT will hopefully positively impact the physical, mental, and social well-being to those in Oldham.
To get in touch with Peter, you can contact him via email at peter.boase@oact.org.uk