University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) is delighted to announce a partnership with Pro:Direct Academy, which will see both organisations collaborate to further progress the career opportunities of its respective students and players.

UCFB students will have the opportunity to gain work experience placements at Pro:Direct Academy and hear from the Academy’s leaders on their experience of the football industry. In return, Pro:Direct Academy players will regularly be visited by UCFB staff to further their understanding of the career opportunities available in football and sport away from the pitch and how UCFB can help them achieve that.

UCFB is a world first in higher education, delivering university degrees dedicated to the global football and sports industries in areas including media, finance, coaching and event management. It’s UK campuses in London and Manchester feature the iconic Wembley and Etihad stadiums at their heart.

Pro:Direct Academy are one of the UK’s leading full-time football and education programmes for boys and girls aged 16-19. With academies throughout the country, and Indonesia, players are taught by UEFA licensed coaches.

The company joins a long and illustrious list of institutions that UCFB is proud to call partners, including The Football Association, The Rugby Football League and Kick It Out.

Commenting on the partnership, UCFB governor Sharona Friedman said: “I’m thrilled to be able to welcome Pro:Direct Academy into the UCFB family. Both organisations stand for providing life-changing opportunities for young people who wish to work in football and sport, so I’m naturally pleased that we can do this together and ensure both UCFB students and Pro:Direct Academy players have all the necessary tools at their disposal to succeed in their future careers.”

Chris Powell, Head of Performance at Pro:Direct Academy, said: “Pro:Direct Academy and UCFB share very similar values to the growth and potential of young people who wish to succeed in this industry. The chance to work together to increase their opportunities and skillset is something I and everyone at Pro:Direct Academy are excited to get underway.”