University scores two-year partnership with Wolves

The University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club have extended their partnership for another two years as they continue to work together to help create opportunities for students. 

The University has been a long-standing partner of Wolves and will continue to work with the club to offer placements to students, allowing them to gain vital experience at the start of their careers. 

The collaboration underscores a commitment by both to create enriching opportunities for students and foster a mutually beneficial relationship between education, football, and the city. 

Since the launch of the partnership, Wolves have provided a number of unique experiences for hundreds of students including work placements leading to full-time roles, stadium tours, and play-on-the-pitch experiences at Molineux. 

The latest partnership deal will see students take on placements at the Premier League club in Football Coaching, Sports Science, Strength and Conditioning as well as in Journalism and Marketing. The partnership will also see the University proudly continue its role as the training kit sponsor for the women's first team. 

Recently, the University announced it has teamed up with the Academy at Wolves and a leading virtual reality (VR) training technology company to help transform football training methods and performance enhancement.   

Reflecting on the partnership extension, Russel Smith, Football Coaching Lecturer at the University said: “We are delighted to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Wolves and are also incredibly proud to be the training kit sponsor for the Women’s team, showcasing our continued support for the future of women’s football. 

“Our partnership continues to go from strength to strength providing unique opportunities for all our students. Both the club and the University have significant international ambitions, and this partnership is helping put Wolverhampton on the world map.” 

One graduate who benefitted from the partnership and is now working full-time at the club is Nathan Male, Football Development Officer. Nathan graduated in 2021 having studied Football Coaching and Performance and is now leading on club projects around school programmes.  

Reflecting on his role at Wolves, Nathan said: “Being able to support local coaches as well as helping kids get into the Academy to then one day live their dreams of becoming a footballer gives me such a buzz.  

“I’ll always be forever grateful to the University and Russel Smith for the support and advice given to me. I am where I am today because of the University and Russel.  

“For anyone starting out on their University journey, Nathan said: “Be flexible and be willing to learn to progress. Always ask questions, look for advice and network with professionals in your relevant industry. The more people you know, the better it will be for you to progress in your career.”  

Paul O'Brien, U9 - U13 Junior Academy Phase Lead at Wolves, said: “The club know the importance they have in the local area and that they provide opportunities.  

“When I look at the Academy and the staff personnel who work there, there are many of them that have come through the University pathway. The pathway is important for the Academy and to provide opportunities for University students outside of their academic studies.  

“We are in an environment where we are developing the Academy players, staff and we want to help develop individuals who aspire to work at Wolves.”  

Russell Jones, General Manager for Marketing and Commercial Growth at Wolves, said: “I’m extremely pleased to see this extension finalised. As two core pillars within the city, the partnership has seen many students go on to have great success on the back of experiences delivered as part of this partnership. 

“The success of this relationship is a testament to the power of collaboration, where education and sport are able to inspire and strengthen community ties. We look forward to seeing this continue to develop over the coming years.” 

Anyone interested in studying for courses at the School of Sport at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.