What a Week!

Next week sees the last date of my role at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).  I have enjoyed my activities and am proud of achievements.  The next challenge will come from my joining the University College of Football Business (UCFB).

This is a logical progression with thirty years in sports management and marketing – and an opportunity to build on the Associate and Guest Lecturing that I have undertaken at MMU, UCFB and University of Northampton.  I will initially lead the modules on Sports Management for Burnley and Wembley Stadium, and Lecture on enterprise in the first semester.

I believe that UCFB is the pinnacle of sports education and this Week’s developments have done nothing to dispel that belief.

On Monday, the University announced its partnership with Real Madrid. It announced: “UCFB to create first ever UK higher education partnership with Real Madrid Graduate School. From September 2016, UCFB’s postgraduate students will be given the opportunity to add to their unique experience of studying inside the famous Wembley Stadium by spending a period of time in Madrid.  The Real Madrid Graduate School’s facilities include the new Sports City and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid.”

On Thursday, UCFB “marked a significant step in its growth with the launch of its third campus at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. UCFB Etihad Campus will allow students to live, learn and work at the heart of one of Europe’s leading sporting facilities. UCFB’s newest location will see lectures and seminars delivered within the Etihad Stadium itself, building on the unique learning environment harnessed since the pioneering higher education institution was founded. Amongst further Etihad Campus facilities, the agreement will also see the impressive City Football Academy facilities utilised during students’ degree programmes.”

This is why I joined the University and will work whilst continuing to lead ACROBAT Consulting & Marketing LTD and FC Sports Marketing LTD.  The organisation is more commercial than other providers and proudly shows that ninety percent of final year students have secured jobs prior to final examinations.  UCFB setting the standards for others to follow.

Interested to find out more: a.stores@ucfb.com