UCFB is proud to announce a partnership with the United Soccer League (USL) in the U.S. to be the league’s official education partner.
The new agreement will provide students at UCFB’s Wembley campus, London, and the Etihad Campus, Manchester, with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience across the league’s clubs and divisions throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the USL, North America’s second-division league, the USL’s Division III, a new third-division league launching in the U.S. in 2019, and the Premier Development League (PDL). These work experience opportunities will include the chance to manage teams of interns at various clubs, providing invaluable exposure to the world of international sports business, media, coaching and events.
UCFB’s partnership with the United Soccer League is another milestone for its best-in-class student experience. This builds on existing partnerships with globally recognised institutions including The Football Association, League Managers Association, The National League and the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea, each of which provides its own unique opportunities to UCFB students.
UCFB Chairman & Chief Executive Brendan Flood said: “This new partnership will give UCFB students unparalleled access to clubs across North America, as well as giving them the best possible chance of a successful international career in sport once they graduate.”
The Chief Operating Officer of the United Soccer League, Justin Papadakis, added: “We are thrilled to announce this multi-year partnership with UCFB. This partnership will support one of the key goals of the USL Foundation, educating players, from the youth levels to professional, on the many career opportunities that are available on the business side of professional soccer.”
About the USL:
The USL is one of the most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues in the world, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.
In 2016, more than $100 million were invested league-wide into stadium infrastructure to create venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience. The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and recently invested $10 million to create USL Productions – which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute nearly 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, USL’s Match Center and international markets.
A growing league, the USL has more than doubled in size since 2014, with Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies debuting in 2017. Expansion sides Nashville SC and Fresno Football Club are set to join the league for 2018. Beyond league play, the USL regularly features international exhibitions against leading Premier League, Liga MX, and Bundesliga clubs, among others.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship.
Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
