Southampton FC Partners with Southampton Solent University for Unique Student Experiences

Southampton FC has deepened its long-standing partnership with Southampton Solent University, offering students hands-on experiences in journalism, physiotherapy, and sports management. The three-year collaboration provides students with guest lectures from the Saints' coaching and medical teams, exposing them to the inner workings of a professional football club. This partnership also includes Solent University remaining as the official university partner of Southampton FC and the back-of-shirt sponsor for the women's first team.

Key Takeaways:

• Southampton FC has renewed its partnership with Southampton Solent University, providing students with hands-on experiences in journalism, physiotherapy, and sports management.
• The agreement includes guest lectures from Saints' coaching and medical teams, giving students direct insight into the workings of a professional football club.
• Solent University remains the official university partner of Southampton FC and the back-of-shirt sponsor for the women's first team.
• Students from Solent and other local education providers will receive placements at the club.
• The partnership supports Solent University's Civic Charter, aiming to strengthen ties with the wider Southampton community.
• Medical staff from Saints regularly deliver lectures and workshops on campus, providing opportunities for students to learn from professionals in the field.
• Luke Thomas, first team physiotherapist, recently led a session on lower limb rehabilitation, while Jack Curson spoke about career pathways in professional sports therapy.
• Creative students benefit from the partnership, with TV production students shadowing the public address team at St Mary's Stadium and sports journalism students participating in media tours and Q&As with the club's communications team.
• James Knowles, vice-chancellor of Southampton Solent University, praised the partnership, stating: "We are proud to work alongside Southampton FC to enhance the educational journey of our students while supporting opportunities for the wider Southampton community through outreach and engagement."
• Greg Baker, chief revenue officer at Southampton FC, emphasized the shared ambitions between the two organisations, aiming to foster talent and attract a diverse global audience.

Statistics:

• The partnership has been in place for over a decade.
• The agreement includes three years of collaboration.
• Students from Solent and other local education providers will receive placements at the club.

Sources:

• Byline: Kieran Wiggs
• Southampton FC website or press release (no specific date mentioned)
• Southampton Solent University website or press release (no specific date mentioned)