University Campus of Football Business and GOALS Announce Strategic Partnership to Create Opportunities Across Sport

27 May 2025 – The University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) and GOALS have announced a landmark partnership designed to create new pathways into the football and wider sports industry, both on and off the pitch.

As one of the UK’s leading operators of dedicated, small-sided football clubs, GOALS operates more than 400 pitches across the country. This new collaboration with UCFB, an institution renowned for its industry-specific degrees in sport, business, and media, brings together two organisations committed to making sport more accessible, inclusive and dynamic.

A key focus of the partnership will be enhancing access for women and girls. GOALS is actively working to increase playing opportunities at its clubs nationwide, and UCFB will support this by engaging female students and alumni to support and grow the initiative. The shared aim is to help build a more inclusive game, from grassroots to graduate careers.

UCFB students will also benefit from a range of work-based placement opportunities across GOALS’ national network, providing invaluable experience in real-world sporting environments. In return, GOALS will gain access to a diverse, industry-ready talent pipeline from across UCFB’s academic centres.

The partnership also opens up exciting opportunities for education and research. UCFB will support player participation programmes with students and academics working in collaboration with GOALS to carry out live research projects and impact reports.

Brendan Flood, UCFB Founder and Chairman, said:

“This partnership with GOALS is an incredible opportunity for the message of UCFB to be spread far and wide, while also increasing the number of opportunities for our current students. I very much look forward to seeing the fantastic work both parties can achieve together as we move into the next era of the British football industry.”

Adam Butterworth, Operations Director for GOALS, added:

“This MOU represents an exciting step forward for GOALS and UCFB. We’re working together to connect our networks and make the most of our facilities to support careers in sport – with a strong focus on increasing opportunities for women, girls, and underrepresented communities.”

Both organisations are united in their ambition to drive innovation, inclusion, and opportunity throughout the football and sports industries.

About UCFB:

University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) is the leading destination for degree courses in the sports and football industry. UCFB prides itself on providing students with stimulating curriculum in a unique environment at iconic campuses in London and Manchester. 

UCFB provides innovative football and sports courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education levels, which are tailor-made to give students and industry professionals the best possible chance of a successful career. Since 2011, UCFB’s purpose is to provide diverse, experienced, best-in-class graduates to the football and sports industries, equipping the current and future diverse leaders of the global sports industry with the skills, knowledge and network to take the world of sport to continually new heights.

About GOALS:

GOALS are one of the UK’s largest and most popular operators of dedicated small-sided football, with over 400 pitches across 43 locations and state-of-the-art facilities, they ensure player experience is straight from the top drawer. GOALS strives to be your local small-sided football club that provides equal access to premium facilities, whilst promoting physical and mental well-being and community spirit through football.