As well as undertaking collaborative research projects, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London's Institute for Sport Business will also establish a structured learning programme for both former Chelsea Academy players transitioning away from the professional game as part of the aftercare programme, and for players to undertake short courses and university study.
Professor James Skinner, Director of the Institute and the Associate Dean for Enterprise at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London, said: “º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, as the number one university for sport in the world, is delighted to be entering into this partnership with Chelsea Football Club, one of the most recognised and respected football clubs globally.
“Having a strategic partnership with a Premier League football club of the calibre of Chelsea allows us to work collaboratively on innovative research projects and provide unique learning opportunities for our students and Chelsea players. I look forward to developing the partnership over the next three years.”
Neil Bath, Head of Youth Development at Chelsea said: “We are excited to be working closely with º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, utilising their research and academic expertise to help evolve our current youth development programme, as well as support the on-going education of our Academy players and the post-football careers of those moving out of the game."
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London and Chelsea Football Club join forces
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London and Chelsea Football Club are delighted to have formed a three-year strategic partnership that will see the two organisations work together on research, internships, player aftercare and engagement activities.
Professor James Skinner
Notes for editors
Press release reference number: PR 17/87
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme and named the best university in the world to study sports-related subjects in the 2017 QS World University Rankings.
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ was ranked 6th in the Guardian University League Table 2018 and 10th in The UK Complete University Guide 2018 and was also named Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017. It has been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, which recognises institutions that deliver consistently outstanding teaching that is of the highest quality found in the UK.
The º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.
The seven specialist institutes at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London include: Design Innovation, Digital Technologies, Media and Creative Industries, Sport Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Diplomacy and International Governance and International Management. Close industry partnerships with a wealth of leading businesses and creative organisations means teaching and learning is informed by real-life challenges and driven by true industry pressures.