Portsmouth Football Club are delighted to announce that a three-year deal has been agreed for the University of Portsmouth to become the new Main Club Partner.
As part of the agreement, the University’s logo will appear on the front of Pompey’s shirts from the start of the 2018/19 season.
The two organisations already have a strong relationship, with the University becoming the Official Education Sponsor back in August.
Pompey chairman Michael Eisner said: “Being part of the city of Portsmouth as chairman of their football club, while having a close relationship with a high-quality university is a magic combination.
“It is clear to me that both institutions play a huge role in the city and the University in particular is essential in providing educational courses that drive many aspects of the local economy.
“Specifically, we want to help increase participation rates in higher education in areas of the city where football has an emotional connection with the citizens.
"We are so pleased with this union and look forward to working in partnership together."
“And of course we want the partnership to benefit the current group of students working with our professionals within the club to help further their educational experiences.
“We are so pleased with this union and look forward to working in partnership together.”
University of Portsmouth vice-chancellor Professor Graham Galbraith added: “As the leading university in England for sports science, it is a natural fit for us to work together with Portsmouth Football Club.
“We are ambitious for the success of the University, Portsmouth Football Club and our great city. Education is the foundation of a prosperous community and by working together, we can encourage young people to consider futures they may not have believed achievable in the past.”
Portsmouth Football Club partnered with the University last summer on mutually-beneficial projects to give students valuable work experience, internships and placements at Fratton Park.
This new deal will strengthen the association further, allowing the University to further cement their commitment to the economic, educational and cultural life of our city and the region.
The renewed partnership will provide a number of collaborative research opportunities, use of the grounds and facilities, and discounted tickets for all University staff and students.
The University of Portsmouth was rated ‘Gold’ in the UK government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and was ranked in the top 100 under 50 in the world according to the Times Higher Education rankings. The University is also in the UK top 40 in the Guardian’s 2018 league table and is ranked number one in the UK for boosting graduate salaries according to The Economist.