Press release: Football and universities learning together

Albion in the Community (the charitable arm of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club) and the universities of Brighton and Sussex are delighted to announce a new programme of activities together. ‘New arenas: football and the community’, will celebrate both the developing partnership between the three Falmer-based organisations and the opening of the American Express Community Stadium in 2011.

The Albion and the two universities pride themselves on being learning organisations and making an important contribution to the city and the region. Bringing together the two universities and Albion in the Community will throw new light on football, learning and the community.

The activities for 2011-12 include seminars for professionals and volunteers on critical issues for communities of education, regeneration and health promotion.

All three organisations are committed to understanding and illuminating the contribution the football club, with its brilliant new stadium, and the universities can make to community regeneration and individual wellbeing.

Brighton and Sussex universities will also work with the Albion to maximise student volunteering and make sure football into the community becomes an important part of the university curriculum.

Falmer is the fastest changing part of Brighton and Hove. Apart from the massive new investment in the football club and both universities, the building of the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy is underway and plans announced for the Keep – the new historical resource for Brighton and Hove and East Sussex.

Martin Perry, Brighton & Hove Albion's chief executive, said ‘as Falmer-based learning organisations eager to contribute to the wider community, it’s wonderful to be working together in such an innovative way.

Professor Julian Crampton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, commented this was ‘a welcome new and innovative dimension to the University’s community university partnership programme’.

Professor Michael Farthing, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex, said ‘bringing a successful football club and two universities together in such a unique way is a major achievement. We look forward to working together in the future’.

Further information:

Marilena Ward, Albion In The Community, Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club

Direct Line: 01273 550400

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