York St John University teams up with York City Football Club to support football’s next generation

The partnership comes at an exciting time for York City’s Academy who have gone through a difficult period of rebuilding since the Club exited the Football League. Now, boasting National League Academy status as well as UEFA A or B coaches at all age groups, the Academy is on the up and securing support from York St John University is testament to their progress.

The York City Academy has seen the recent successful development of Ben Godfrey (now playing Premier League football at Norwich City) and Ryan Edmondson (now at Leeds United) as well as current Minstermen, Nathan Dyer and Ryan Whitley.

Rob Hickey, Chief Operating Officer of York St John University said: “We are passionate about sport and its scope as a vehicle for positive social change, so working with York City Football Club is a perfect fit for us. It cements the University's commitment to the economic, educational and cultural life of our city and the region. As a major provider of sporting facilities in the city, we are proud to support the next generation of players."

Today’s partnership announcement builds on a strong existing relationship between the two organisations. In addition to providing the Club usage of sporting facilities, York St John students work with players on periodic fitness tests and performance analysis, sports science and physiotherapy support.

This partnership will provide a number of new collaborative opportunities, as well as discounted match tickets for all university students. The University – along with that of its sport subsidiary Yorkshire Academy of Sport – will be heavily involved across the operations of both the Football Club and the Academy.

Yorkshire Academy of Sport specialises in delivering physical development, sports performance and injury support. Its expert team of practitioners are based at Haxby Road Sports Park, with many of its services portable to meet the environmental needs of partners.

Yorkshire Academy of Sport coordinator Jamie Salter said: “Establishing formal links with the football club is a sign of the progress we are making as an institution, particularly through the Yorkshire Academy of Sport. We are keen to offer support, expertise and resources to our community partners whilst integrating students in real-world scenarios to help boost their future employability opportunities. The proximity of the University to the football club provides the ideal opportunity for sharing practice and experience and we hope that this is the start of bigger things.”

York City Football Club’s Commercial Manager, Chris Pegg, said: “Having a close relationship with a high-quality university is a magic combination – both our institutions play a major role within the city. York St John University is essential in driving aspects of the economy and community – alongside the partnership we’re proud to actively encourage increases in participation rates in higher education.”

Dan Wilson, the Head of Youth Development at York City Football Club said: “There is a huge sense of pride amongst the Academy lads knowing that they’re being supported by such a fantastic organisation. We have an excellent youth setup here and this partnership will only improve the support we can provide to the aspiring young footballers in our ranks.”

“It’s fantastic that the Club can also support York St John students as they gain experience within a professional environment. Last season, Robbie Hurworth joined us as a sports science and physiotherapy intern and now works for the club as academy physiotherapist four days a week. As well as providing a pathway for young players it’s great that this partnership allows us to support people like Robbie who want to progress into a career in the sport.”