Education
Born in London, the former Northampton Town trainee moved to the United States on a football scholarship after giving up on football in England. Blackwood started his scholarship at the University of Tampa where he studied English literature. During his time at the University, Blackwood played in two seasons after not being eligible his freshman year.
Blackwood made 33 appearances for the Spartans scoring 24 goals and racking up 8 assists.
Blackwood also received the player of the year award two years running, breaking several records at the university.
Whilst at the University Of Tampa Blackwood also took part in the summer PDL league for Orlando City U-23. He went on to score 15 goals in 14 games for the Lions.
Foreign his final year of collegiate eligibility Blackwood transferred to nearby National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 school University of South Florida and changed his major to communications.
Blackwood played 18 games for the Bulls, scoring 4 goals and making 3 assists. Blackwood is still currently working towards his degree as an online student and is expected to graduate from the University of South Florida in the spring of 2016.
Due to the fact that his final college season was not one of the best, Blackwood was overlooked for the 2015 Master of Library Science draft.
Blackwood returned to England and was allowed to train at local Queens Park Rangers to maintain fitness.
He successfully impressed during his training so QPR decided to take a closer look at Blackwood.
