Former professional footballer Harry Middleton has swapped his career chasing after balls for criminals in his new role on the frontline as a Police Officer on our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. Harry, from Doncaster, grew up on a farm before starting his football career playing for both Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale. Harry wanted to be out and about helping people so decided to make a change joining the policing response team.  

“I was a professional footballer for Doncaster Rovers and did a year at Port Vale football club professionally for around five or six seasons but spent around 10 years in the youth teams.

“A career in football is difficult and I’d moved clubs and dropped down so I decided it was time for a change.

“I tried to do an office job afterwards but I’m used to being active and I wanted to be out and about helping people, not just sat down in front of a computer. I’m also used to being out and about in the bad weather after growing up on a farm and playing football for years!”

Harry joined South Yorkshire Police as part of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship – a route into policing that enables officers to earn while learning, receiving practical on the job learning alongside academic theory and knowledge. Harry works on the frontline as a response Police Constable (PC) in Doncaster whilst he completes his studies.

“I really enjoy knowing I can help someone, or even go somewhere and speak to someone to calm them down. We recently sat down with a young boy who had lost his mum, listened, and got him some help. Things like that are really rewarding. 

“I’d say to anyone thinking about joining to do it. Especially people who like helping others and trying to make a difference – it’s a no brainer.”