University Partners with Football Club

Placements and internships for sport students will now be launched as well as access to high-spec training facilities for Harrogate Town players.

Rob Hickey, York St John University Chief Operating Officer said: “It’s another proud moment for York St John University as we celebrate a partnership with Harrogate FC. As the official Higher Education partner of the professional club we are now opening doors and providing opportunities for our students and the Harrogate FC squads. Harrogate are performing excellently in the National League after last year’s promotion, and we’re certain that our facilities, resources and expertise can further push the club to continued success in the game. For both parties, this is an exciting time.”

The sharing of ideas and expertise will be prioritised within the partnership, which will also see research into sport-related subjects playing a pivotal role. With Harrogate FC’s recent appointment of Josh Falkingham to first team captain and Head of Recruitment for the club’s BTEC in Sport, Harrogate FC is committed to recruitment and developing their educational provision going forward.

Club Manager Simon Weaver said “Everyone involved at Harrogate Town AFC is delighted to have joined forces with York St John University. The university is a very fine one based at the heart of a prestigious city and the new sports facilities that are currently being built will be amongst the finest in the country for students to utilise. We are fortunate that a link has been formed and between both Harrogate Town AFC and York St John there are many common goals and values that both parties share. We are very grateful to Graeme Law, Rob Hickey and Andy Hill for helping to make this happen.”
One of the first steps in the partnership is for both parties to discuss placements for degrees students to enhance their employment opportunities after their courses have been completed.

Rob Hickey added: “Overall, ensuring that young aspiring footballers have the opportunity to receive high quality education as they prepare for a career inside and outside of sport, is at the forefront of this exciting partnership.”

For more information on studying sport at York St John University, please visit our School of Sport page.