ZEHRA DERGIN
Participation and inclusion manager
My career at NTFC Community Trust started as a Sports and Education Mentor before I took on the role of Schools Officer.
I absolutely loved working directly with schools, guiding vulnerable young people, and making sure our community programmes delivered real value. Two years ago, I became our EDIB Lead, which truly ignited my passion for supporting underrepresented groups and making sure everyone feels they belong.
These experiences and that fire is exactly what led me to my current role. Every day, I work to ensure that local people have the access, support, and opportunities they need to play football.
As a massive football fan and a proud football parent, I don't just see the game from an office—I see it from the sidelines and the stands. I completely understand the magic of the sport and the incredible benefits it brings to people's lives, both on and off the pitch.
Find out more about Zehra:
Q. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOTBALL TEAM?
A. My favourite football team is Tranmere Rovers but I watch the Cobblers every home game as my son is a huge fan
Q. WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR CURRENT JOB?
A. The absolute best part is getting the chance to support young people and helping them reach their goals.
Q. WHAT HOBBIES DO YOU HAVE OUTSIDE OF WORK?
A. I am a busy fulltime working single mum so free time is rare. When I am not at work, I help coach my son's football team and in the summer that becomes his cricket club.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT?
A. In my home life,pretty much everything my son does makes me proud. At work, I have worked as a teacher for 20 years I get really proud every time I see a former student.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPORTING MOMENT?
A. My favourite moment is seeing Jim Redmond help his son Derek finish the 400m race in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Q. NAME SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A. I used to have a blackbelt in Tae Kwon-Do.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH?
A. My celebrity crush is Jason Momoa, Henry Cavill, 'the Rock' or Chris Hemsworth. I definitely have a type!
Q. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST IMPACT YOU HAVE MADE IN THE COMMUNITY?
A. I am really proud to have worked 1:1 with a young man, I helped him gain qualifications and get into college this year and I can't wait to find out what he achieves.
Q. IF YOU COULD BE ANYONE FOR THE DAY WHO WOULD IT BE?
A. I'd be my son for a day in school. I'd love to know what he really gets up to.
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
A. I'd really like to progress with my football coaching and complete my UEFA C badge.
