The University of Stirling has formed an official partnership with the Falkirk Foundation, Falkirk Football Club’s charity partner.
The new formal affiliation builds on previous collaborations between the two, which has included sport students supporting children’s coaching sessions, Foundation staff delivering guest lectures and research partnerships.
Falkirk Foundation’s Chief Executive, Derek Allison, Sport Management lecturer Caitlin Rattray, Head of Sport at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, Dr Paul Dimeo. student, Anthony Nwoke, and Falkirk Foundation Trustee, Craig Sinclair.
Dr Paul Dimeo, Head of Sport at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport at University of Stirling, said: “This partnership will provide further opportunities for our students, both in terms of football coaching and involvement in wider social and health related projects, as well as enhance new research exploring how communities can better engage with sport.
“We recognise the wider social benefits provided by the Falkirk Foundation and look forward to working more closely with them.”
Derek Allison, Chief Executive of The Falkirk Foundation, said: “This strategic partnership is designed to leverage the power of football to effect positive change in society.
“The Memorandum of Understanding will enable the Falkirk Foundation to tap into the academic resources of the University, thereby enriching its own initiatives. Conversely, the University of Stirling and its students will benefit from the charity's extensive experience in utilising the power of football and the positive impact that it has on the community. It's testament to the transformative potential of football in shaping society for the better and we look forward to developing the opportunities this provides us.”
University of Stirling MSc Sport Management student, Anthony Nwoke, is currently evaluating the Falkirk Foundation’s ‘Centre Forward’ programme as part of his dissertation. The 12-month course is designed for young people aged 16-24 who have additional support needs and who wish to become more active whilst learning and developing their confidence.
Anthony said: “The Centre Forward programme is a really good example of the important community work the Falkirk Foundation leads.
“This new official partnership is really beneficial to students, providing them with work placements and experience, as well as the opportunity to support something positive in the local community.”