UCFB is delighted to announce a partnership with Doncaster Rovers Belles that will allow students to gain invaluable work experience opportunities as well as access to players and coaches at one of the country’s leading clubs.

This partnership will see UCFB students granted access to the Belles on home match days to undertake a variety of work experience roles that will further enhance their educational experience and give them the skills to succeed in the football, sport and events industries upon graduation.

Other benefits will include access to members of staff and players at several points in the season for unique insights into what it takes to make it at the elite level.

The women’s game has gained more and more prominence in England over recent years, and the Belles were one of the founding members of the Women’s Super League when it launched in 2011. The launch of the league has seen increased media coverage, and has coincided with the England national team reaching successive World Cup and European Championship semi-finals.

The Belles join an illustrious list of institutions UCFB is proud to call partners, including The Football Association, The National League and the League Managers’ Association.

Commenting on the new partnership, Doncaster Rovers Belles Chair Faye Lygo said: “It’s been an exciting few years for women’s football in England, and we’ve been proud to be at the forefront of that. UCFB has been supportive of the women’s game in recent years, so we’re delighted to now be working together. All of us at the club look forward to welcoming students throughout the coming season and helping them to progress into long and successful careers.”

UCFB’s Chief Marketing Officer, Sharona Friedman, added: “As the leading institution in football education, it gives us great pleasure to partner with Doncaster Rovers Belles, one of the pioneers of the modern women’s game. This inspirational partnership will provide another avenue for our students to learn first-hand what it takes to run a successful football club, in one of the fastest growing leagues in football. We look forward to a fruitful alliance that I believe will help deliver pathways for our students and graduates to work in women’s football, as well as grow the Belles’ business.”