New deal means sports therapy students will work closely with Seasiders to gain professional experience
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has strengthened its links with Blackpool Football Club by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation.
UCLan’s agreement with the League One club is aimed at creating more opportunities for UCLan students and allowing them to benefit from working in a real-world, professional sports environment.
Blackpool will be given access to resources at the University in order to develop their own fitness testing systems and rehabilitation services to players from both the Club’s first team and academy.
UCLan students will benefit from working alongside the Blackpool medical and performance staff throughout the season. They will also work with players to implement injury prevention strategies and assist in the rehabilitation of players after injury.
Dave Rhodes, Course leader for the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy, said: “We have been working with Blackpool informally for a number of years and creating opportunities for our students through personal contacts.
“It is great to sign this agreement with the Club. We will be looking to maximise opportunities for our students to provide them with the hands-on, practical experience they need to develop key employability skills.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for the University, its staff and students to be involved in supporting the Club’s medical and science staff when required to develop their performance monitoring and injury prevention strategies.”
"The partnership will allow both UCLan and Blackpool Football Club to share their expertise in a highly dynamic and evolving environment and push forward new boundaries, merging the practical delivery elements together with academic research."
Warren Green, Academy Manager at Blackpool Football Club, added: “We have worked closely with the UCLan before, but to now sign an official agreement with the University is an exciting prospect for both parties to work alongside each other. Particularly with the high calibre of graduates who are conducting innovative research in the field of elite sport.
“The partnership will allow both UCLan and Blackpool Football Club to share their expertise in a highly dynamic and evolving environment and push forward new boundaries, merging the practical delivery elements together with academic research.”