SUCCESS STORY: Hardeep Senapati

After completing his Level 3 diploma, Hardeep Senapati moved on to study at degree level, where he achieved firstly a degree in Sports Coaching, and then a Masters in Sports Marketing and Business Management with Myerscough’s partner institution, the University of Central Lancashire.

Hardeep has now taken the latest step in his career, overcoming the challenge of being a deaf person and communicating via sign language, after securing a position as a Partnership Executive at Old Trafford at the beginning of the season.

In an interview with TNT Sports, Hardeep explained more about the role, the challenges he faces, and the support he is given.

‘’My role is varied. I’m involved in a lot of department meetings, day to day I get involved in our Employment Resource Group,’’ he explained.

‘’Every day is different and I enjoy it.

‘’Being the club’s first deaf employee is amazing. We’ve got a rich history. Obviously the deaf community see me working here. There’s of course a communication barrier, but the club are very happy to support me. I have a team – a British Sign Language interpreter and a note taker, who support me through the day to fulfil my needs.

‘’They also make sure that with my hearing colleagues, that they fully understand how to work together as a business through a good rapport, how interpreters work with me, and how it also improves the environment around.

‘’On matchdays, I wear a suit ready for VIP guests who attend the games. I take them to their seats, the suites where they have a meal and enjoy the game.

Hardeep also explained more about the support put in place for fans with additional support needs om matchdays at Old Trafford, and what he would like to see happen in the future.

‘’There are investments that have been put in (to the stadium, for deaf fans). They can download an app which gives them the team line up, goal information, analysis, so they don’t have to rely on (verbal) announcements.

‘’I’d like to see BSL on a large screen. I’d like to see frontline staff at the club – hospitality, the Megastore, security – to be able to learn BSL at a basic level so they can engage with deaf fans and for them to have a very good experience.’’

Gareth Evans, Curriculum Area Manager for Sport at Myerscough, was Hardeep’s tutor during his time at the College, and said: ‘’He was provided support and a signer by Myerscough that helped him to successfully achieve his diploma and to play for our first team during his time with us.

‘’He was always a hardworking and dedicated student with a good sense of humour and was well liked by his fellow students and staff alike.

‘’We wish him all the best in his future career.’’

You can watch Hardeep’s interview with TNT Sports on the Manchester United website, here