Scott Rogers’ journey has taken him from the classroom to leading England’s amputee team to their first trophy in 34 years and receiving a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s 2026 Birthday Honours.
Blackpool-born Scott has always had a love of football, with his experience at Edge Hill providing him with the opportunity to develop his playing and coaching abilities nationally and internationally.
Football remains Scott’s greatest passion, and he has since gone onto coach on the world stage with England’s Amputee national team, leading them to Nations League glory. The achievement would be recognised when Scott was recipient of a BEM in the King’s Birthday Honours for his achievements, his “proudest moments.”
Scott said: “Receiving the British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2026 was something I never expected and was incredibly humbling. Although the medal was awarded to me, I see it as recognition of something much bigger. It represents the players, coaches, volunteers and everyone who works tirelessly to develop and promote amputee football.
“Football has remained a huge part of my life. In 2019, I was given the opportunity to become a first-team coach with the England Amputee national team. This gave me the privilege of representing my country at World Cups and European Championships. In 2023, I was offered the role of Head Coach and subsequently led the team to Nations League success.
Beginning in 1997, Scott’s BSc Sports Science degree involved a coaching spell in the United States and captaining a team in the University’s football league.
Scott would go onto study further at Edge Hill, enrolling on a PGCE in Secondary PE Teaching, a course where he met his wife. The couple have two daughters, Sophie and Lily, who are both keen aspiring footballers.
Scott said: “One of my proudest moments came when we won the Nations League, securing England’s first major trophy in 34 years. To lead the team to that achievement was incredibly special. It was the culmination of a huge amount of hard work from the players, staff and everyone connected with England Amputee Football, and it is a moment I will always treasure.”
“I came to Edge Hill in 1997 to study for a BSc in Sports Science, and my time at the University gave me experiences and memories that have stayed with me throughout my life and career.
“Captaining the Fits XI football team was a particularly memorable experience, as I was travelling to the USA in 1999 to coach football. I also met some amazing people during my time at university, many of whom remain great friends today. On a personal level, one of the biggest highlights was meeting my wife during my PGCE year, when she was also studying at Edge Hill.
“My PGCE was another important part of my experience. I was fortunate to have two fantastic teaching practices, which helped build my confidence and gave me invaluable experience as I prepared for my career.
“Looking back, university was about much more than gaining qualifications. It gave me life skills, friendships, opportunities and experiences that have helped shape both my career and the person I am today.
“My passion for sport was probably the biggest influence in my decision to pursue teaching. I had always enjoyed being involved in sport, particularly football, but I also became increasingly interested in the impact that a good teacher or coach can have on a young person’s confidence, development and aspirations.
“Studying Sports Science at Edge Hill gave me a greater understanding of sport and physical education, and I realised that teaching would allow me to combine my passion for sport with the opportunity to work with and positively influence young people.”
Scott’s PGCE qualification opened the door to a teaching career at secondary and further education institutions in Wigan whilst remaining in football, working within the boys’ academies of Blackburn Rovers Football Club and Wigan Athletic Football Club after achieving his FA coaching badges.
He later established his own childcare business, where he is currently Director of Future Focused Care, Wigan, a youth service which provides safe, high quality, professional, nurturing care for vulnerable young people.
Scott now wants to continue to grow his business whilst supporting his two daughters with their own football ambitions.
Scott concluded: “I feel incredibly fortunate about what I’ve achieved so far, but I certainly don’t see the journey as finished. The next chapter will be different – supporting my daughters, growing my business and hopefully using my experiences to inspire and help others on their own leadership journeys.
“My main advice to current students would be to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Get involved in university life, meet new people, try things that take you outside your comfort zone and enjoy the experience. The friendships, experiences and life skills you gain along the way can prove every bit as valuable as the qualification itself.”
Find out more about studying a BSc (Hons) in Sports, Health and Exercise Science or Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching at Edge Hill University.
September 29, 2026
