AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth’s partnership with Bournemouth University was celebrated at the weekend as the BU Big Match took place against Manchester City.
The long-standing partnership, now in its 11th year, continues to see BU as the official higher education partner of the club.
As part of the dedicated matchday, ten international students who were involved in a recent EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) focus group were invited to watch the game and were interviewed pitch-side at half-time.
Students spoke about the EDI focus group and the importance of the student opportunities which come with the partnership.
The day was also an opportunity to celebrate the brilliant work done between the club and BU. Most recently, first team players Marcos Senesi and Ryan Christie sat alongside women’s player Gemma McGuinness in a special panel at the university. They spoke to students at length about settling into life in Bournemouth and adapting to change.
Following the occasion, the club’s Commercial Director Rob Mitchell shared his delight at its success: “It was great to celebrate our partnership with BU throughout our matchday against Manchester City.
“It’s a partnership that we’ve had for a long time and we’re proud to work so closely with the university in so many different ways. I’d like to extend my thanks to those who attended the weekend’s game and to those who continue to make the partnership a huge success.”
Jim Andrews, Chief Operating Officer at Bournemouth University also commented: “We’ve seen this partnership grow from strength-to-strength in so many areas; from the opportunities students have to work on placement at AFC Bournemouth and the graduates who work there now, to the Junior Cherries activity we support, and our support as principal partner of the women’s and girls’ teams, I’m so proud of all we do together.
“This is a partnership that works well as we have the same goals, to work for the benefit of the local community, for supporters, and for our students and staff, and my thanks go to the Club for another successful BU Big Match, celebrating the partnership.”
AFC Bournemouth would like to extend its thanks to BU for their ongoing support.
Our next BU big match will take place on Sunday 24th March as our women’s team play Keynsham Town at Vitality Stadium. Find out more here or get your tickets here.
