The ESFA are delighted to announce that it has extended its partnership with University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) – the world’s first higher education establishment dedicated to football and sports degrees.
UCFB, which has campuses in London and Manchester with Wembley and Etihad stadiums at their heart, will continue to be the ESFA Foundation Partner for Higher Education, helping to improve career prospects for students through football.
The extended deal means that employability opportunities for UCFB students at the ESFA and County Schools’ FAs will continue, as will research opportunities for students.
A football match between the England Schoolboys’ U18 squad and a UCFB team was one of the highlights of the previous agreement, so UCFB is delighted to confirm that this fixture will return over the coming months. A new detail of the partnerships will be UCFB students helping to run the ESFA YouTube channel and having opportunities to assist with broadcasting their fixtures.
Mark Hignett, Chairman of the ESFA said “The English Schools’ FA is delighted to continue this partnership with UCFB. Our joint mission – using football as a platform for personal development, educational attainment and career progression – makes this a particularly exciting joint venture through which we aim to enhance each other’s services for the benefit of our players, students and pupils.”
Sharona Friedman, Governor of UCFB and President of its Global Institute of Sport added: “The last year has seen a number of our students gain great insight and experience working alongside the ESFA, with all positive about the experience. We’re naturally delighted that this work will continue over the next year and look forward to both organisations benefitting from each other’s expertise.”
UCFB graduates are currently employed at Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, with numerous ex-students also in roles at The Football Association, the Scottish Professional Football League and dozens of English Football League clubs.
Look out for forthcoming information on UCFB and how your pupils can get involved in their fantastic higher education programmes for their future.
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.