Plymouth University signs exciting partnership with Plymouth Argyle FC

Plymouth University is looking to create a range of exciting opportunities for its students and staff after forging a partnership with Plymouth Argyle Football Club.

The agreement will see students across all faculties working with the players and management at Argyle, currently the highest placed Devon side in the Football League, as part of their academic programmes.

It also aims to encourage more people from across the campus to support the city club in their bid to climb the Sky Bet League 2 table, further strengthening links between the University and the local community.

Professor Richard Stephenson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) at Plymouth University, said: “Our range of sporting partnerships, both at professional and community level, demonstrate our belief that sport has the potential to inspire. Through those partnerships, and our new Sporting Excellence scholarships, we are creating first rate opportunities for our students to enjoy top level sport and engage with elite coaches and facilities. They also show how seriously we take our role at the heart of the community, appreciating the role the University can play in furthering the city’s aspirations and achievements.”

Chief Executive Martyn Starnes, of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, added: "We are delighted to be teaming up with Plymouth University in a partnership which brings together two of Britain's Ocean City's most iconic names. Sport and education have always been a huge part of the city's strengths and traditions, and we believe this partnership can only help take that to the next level."

The initial three-season partnership will aim to enhance students’ employability skills, with those on education programmes given the chance to work in Argyle’s family stand on matchdays.

There will also be internship opportunities in the club’s business and sales teams, Argyle players and staff will work with health students, and media students will get the opportunity to commentate on Argyle games.

The club’s ground, Home Park, will continue to be used for events such as the annual Plymouth varsity game, while Argyle’s staff and players will support University events such as the Freshers’ Fayre and Open Days.

The new link complements the University’s connections with the city’s sports teams, which include existing agreements with Plymouth Albion Rugby Football Club and the Plymouth University Raiders, who play in the British Basketball League. It also extends its support of local football, with the University already enjoying a successful partnership with the Devon Junior and Minor League.

To find out more about Plymouth University’s many partnerships, and the opportunities they create for students, staff and the local community, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/partners.