DCG Success Stories

Derby College Group Esports student Archie Brown has a specific career goal.

The 18-year-old from Allestree is determined to become a football journalist so to help him achieve his ambition, he’s on a course which links directly with digital media.

Archie had intended to go into sixth form after GCSEs but his maths grade let him down, leaving him exploring other options.

He said: “Literally minutes after I collected my results from school my mum drove me to Joseph Wright Centre, where fortunately the staff were able to squeeze me onto the Level 2 Esports course.

“From there I progressed to the two-year Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Esports and I’ll complete my course this year.

“My aim is to get a place on England’s only BA Hons degree course in football journalism which just happens to be at the University of Derby!”

Although Archie’s route to his end goal is not what he’d anticipated, he’s grateful it led him to Derby College and the esports courses.

He added: “I feel so fortunate. Coming to Joseph Wright got me out of my ‘school bubble.’ My teachers Amy and Josh have been great. They know I’m aiming high and they’ve told me they’ll do all they can to support me.

I re-took maths at college and I now have the grade I need for uni. I’ve always loved using my imagination and I love the creative vibe on my course whether that’s devising a game or creating characters.

“Esports is the future and my level 3 links into football journalism. That’s reflected on the degree course, with esports now included in the wider curriculum.”

Archie has always liked sports. He used to play football but gave that up to focus on wrestling and trains with Aspire wrestling club in Chaddesden.

A Derby County FC supporter, Archie also follows Barcelona FC – a passion that began when he lived in Palma, Mallorca as a boy.

He said: “I loved everything about living in Spain – the language, the lifestyle, the football – all of it. My ultimate goal is to move to Spain and be a Spanish football writer.”