Premier League table-toppers Leicester City have signed a new deal with De Montfort University (DMU) to become the Club’s Official Higher Education Partners.
The exciting new partnership, which builds on a fruitful four years of working together, will bring incredible opportunities for DMU students to get involved with a club whose name is known to billions around the world thanks to the success of Vardy, Mahrez, Ranieri and co.
It will include work placements for up to 100 students a year at the King Power Stadium covering all aspects of running a Premier League football club, DMU branding inside and outside the stadium and promotions at UK Government trade events in Thailand.
At the same time DMU has agreed to work closely with Leicester City’s owners and shirt sponsors King Power, the biggest travel retailer in Thailand, to look at introducing DMU/King Power scholarships for Thai students, DMU scholarships for King Power employees and #DMUglobal visits for students to work with King Power charities in Asia.
The Foxes remarkable run to the top of the Barclays Premier League has ensured that the club’s name has been on the lips of billions around the globe, and now thanks to the new deal, DMU will continue to see its involvement with Leicester City grow on a number of levels.
On the football side, the DMU student football trials will take place at the Club’s state-of-the-art facilities, while students will be treated to first team player appearances on campus during term time.
The impact of the new partnership with DMU will also reach Thailand, the home of Leicester City’s parent company, King Power International, where scholarships could be offered to King Power employees as well as DMU students being given the chance to work with King Power charities in Asia.
This will also see DMU further strengthen its ties with the Foxes by opening a Bangkok office in order to work directly with international students seeking an opportunity to study in Leicester, while efforts will be combined between both parties on the Government’s GREAT international trade campaign.
Academically, DMU will also offer expert English language support for the Club’s flourishing International Academy students.
Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “We’re extremely proud of our growing partnership with DMU – a relationship that brings together two great Leicester institutions, proudly representing this city in front of a global audience.
“Extending the fine work carried out domestically between both parties to Bangkok – home of the Club’s parent company, King Power – is a great opportunity for us to strengthen the growing affinity that exists between the people of Leicester and the people of Thailand.”
Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, said: “The benefits that this partnership will bring to DMU students are extraordinary, in terms of gaining vital industry experience, continuing DMU’s dedication to the public good with charitable and voluntary work, overseas travel through #DMUglobal, and cheering on Leicester City in the Premier League.
“I don’t think there will be another university in the country that can offer these sorts of opportunities in partnership with a Premier League football club.
“We are delighted to be working with a business that shares our passion for having a truly global impact and are sure that our new partnerships, here in Leicester and in Asia, can mirror the success that Vardy and Mahrez have enjoyed on the pitch this season.”
Posted on Friday 1 April 2016