Dons top of class for RGU

This collaborative partnership will act as a driver to encourage engagement across the club, supporting further learning opportunities and professional development for staff, first team, women and youth academy players.

The club and University will also work together to inspire and increase participation in higher education across the City, utilising football to grow and promote key subject areas.

As the exclusive Education Partner for Aberdeen FC, RGU students will also be offered the opportunity to enjoy valuable work experience, internships and placements at the club.

Steven Daun, AFC Business Development Manager is delighted to welcome this leading education institution to the AFC commercial family. ‘The club is eager to kick start our exciting new partnership with the University, establishing the foundations of a long-lasting relationship.  The partnership will provide a number of collaborative research opportunities, as well as supporting our players and staff who are looking to explore the prospects of further education.

‘Education is so important to the club, and by working together we can encourage young people to consider their futures.  This partnership will also provide the platform for us to continue welcoming students from the University to work with our professionals, to help further their own education experience.

‘I look forward to working on exciting new initiatives to help drive this partnership forward’

Professor Liz Hancock, Vice-Principal for Academic Development and the Student Experience at RGU, said: “RGU has a longstanding history of engaging with the region and we are delighted to be strengthening our relationship with Aberdeen Football Club by becoming its official Education Partner.

“The partnership will build on our links with the club to support the professional development of its staff and players through accessible learning opportunities and work collaboratively to ensure they have the skills required for sustaining careers, future workforce needs and jobs in growing fields.

“The university is committed to widening access to higher education and the partnership will also help us to use the power of sport to further our reach across the region to encourage youngsters to realise their ambitions through pathways to university.

“We are excited to explore further work experience programmes for our students as part of the partnership, as well as opportunities to collaborate on key research areas.”

Pupils from Northfield Academy, a partner in the University’s outreach programme, and a school which the AFC Community Trust works closely with, were invited into Pittodrie today (Wednesday 8th May) to participate in a unique Q&A session with representatives from AFC, to learn how education and football can provide a unique career path.