The University of Stirling has officially formed a partnership with the Falkirk Foundation.
This new formal affiliation with Falkirk Football Club’s charity partner builds on previous collaborations between the two organisations.
In the past, these have included sports students from the university supporting children’s football coaching sessions, Foundation staff delivering guest lectures in turn for students, and other additional research partnerships.
Head of Sport at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport at University of Stirling, Dr. Paul Dimeo, 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.”
As part of his Masters dissertation, University of Stirling MSc Sport Management student, Anthony Nwoke, is currently evaluating the Falkirk Foundation’s ‘Centre Forward’ programme: a 12-month course designed for people aged 16-24 who have additional support needs and wish to become more active whilst learning and developing their confidence.
Anthony says the 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.”
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.”
Featured Image credits: University of Stirling
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Fourth-year Journalism Student and Sports Editor of BRIG Newspaper at Stirling University
