A new student exchange programme between UCFB and Harvard University kicked off on Monday with two students arriving in the US to spend reading week at the world-famous Ivy League institution.

Josh Easterbrook and Jan Kozlowski, BA (Hons) Sports Business & Sports Law students at UCFB Wembley, will be able to attend classes run by world-class academics, as well as unique events on campus and major sports matches.

Announcing the inauguration of the UCFB/Harvard Sports Law Student Exchange, Dr Alexander Chrysanthou, Programme Leader at UCFB, said: “Two of our students this week are at Harvard University to attend classes run by Professor Peter Carfagna on their world-famous sports law degree and they will have full access to the Harvard Law Library to help in their dissertation preparation.”

They have also been invited to attend Harvard’s Annual Fall Festival, the “Tailgate Party”, which leads into the Harvard vs Dartmouth football match at the iconic Harvard Stadium.

Josh and Jan will also have the opportunity to attend the Boston Celtics’ home game against Milwaukee Bucks at the historic TD Garden, whereupon they will be introduced to attorneys from the Celtics.”

Established in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the US and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

“I’m really excited to be given the opportunity to spend time at one of the most reputable law schools in the world,” said third-year student Josh. “When you think of studying law, you think of Harvard, so it’s great that UCFB has begun this new partnership.

"The chance to meet existing industry experts from American sports franchises will give me a chance to further my academic research that relates to my dissertation topic as well. It’s my first trip to the states so to be able to experience major sporting events such as an NBA game will round off the trip brilliantly.”

Jan explained: “We have a quite specific plan for the placement already. We’ll be attending two sports law classes taught by Professor Peter Carfagna and we’ll have access to some of the classes of our hosts. We’ll also watch the Harvard-Dartmouth American Football game and possibly the Boston Celtics-Milwaukee Bucks NBA game. We could also meet Boston Celtics’ legal counsels, which is what I’m looking forward to the most. It’ll be a perfect opportunity to ask some key questions, as I want to work in the US after I get my Masters Degree. I also want to visit Harvard Library, indulge in all of the great articles and work on my dissertation.”

During their placement, the UCFB students will be “buddied up” with two Harvard students, who will be welcomed to the UCFB Wembley campus in January as part of the student exchange.

“This is an exciting partnership which has developed, and one which it is hoped will develop into further transatlantic collaboration in sports law,” said Dr Chrysanthou.