USW celebrates 10-year partnership with EFL Trust

University of South Wales (USW) hosted a celebratory event on 1 November marking the 10-year anniversary of a unique partnership with English Football League (EFL) Trust.

This partnership has been extremely fruitful over the past 10 years, growing from three clubs, in its first year, to over 40 clubs delivering courses and an enrolment of over 650 students. Club Community Organisations from Carlisle United to Exeter City are just some that host students within their learning hubs, who are deployed into work-based learning opportunities alongside their online study.

Held at USW’s Conference Centre, the event was opened by Dr Ben Calvert, Vice Chancellor of USW, and Cathy Abraham, Chief Executive Officer of EFL trust.

There were two panel discussions, the first featured EFL Trust Heads of Schemes, Simon Carnell from Derby County Community Trust, Christ Stenner from Bristol City Robins Foundation, and Ryan Collins from Sheffield United Community Trust. They discussed the impact of Higher Education programmes on widening participation. A discussion and Q&A followed with USW alumni talking about how studying at USW helped them in their career.

Dr Ben Calvert, USW, said: “Tonight is a celebration of the incredible partnership and gives us the chance to collectively reflect on its success over the last 10 years.

“The EFL partnership was one of the first partnership agreements we signed as the newly formed University of South Wales back in 2013.

“The importance of partnership to USW cannot be underestimated – in the last academic year the Community Football Coaching and Development course was the largest single recruiting course across the whole University which illustrates its significance.

“What is unique is the fact that these students rarely ever step foot on a campus. Their learning is embedded in the workplace which enables them to apply their skills and experience, from day one, in the real world and help to contribute to Club Community Organisation strategic objectives rooted at the heart of their communities. This is real impact.”

Cathy Abraham, EFL Trust, said: “10 years ago, we started out with four of our Club Community organisations running the Foundation in Community Football Coaching and Development course. Since then, over 800 students have graduated.

“Another reason that I’m proud of this partnership is that it helps fulfil our mission of delivering stronger, healthier, more active communities. There is a virtuous circle at the heart of these degree courses, that benefits both individuals and their wider communities, and that hits right at the heart of why we exist as an organisation.

“I’d like thank everyone at USW for being such amazing partners and helping the EFL Trust and our network improve the lives of people in the communities across England and Wales.”