De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)’s Vice-Chancellor delivered a keynote speech at a national conference celebrating football’s role in higher education.
Professor Dominic Shellard shared examples of DMU’s support for grassroots clubs, investment in facilities for students, and partnership with Premier League champions Leicester City FC in the speech for the annual BUCS Football Development conference.
The event, aimed at university sports directors and their teams, celebrated the work being done across UK universities to develop programmes for football in higher education.
DMU has developed partnerships with LCFC, Leicester Tigers, Leicestershire County Cricket and Leicester Ladies Hockey, which offer students the chance to get professional coaching and employment opportunities.
Its inclusive approach to sport has also strengthened connections with communities across Leicester by providing spaces on which grassroots teams can play. Many students also share their skills by mentoring young players.
Professor Shellard, who plays football every week and is a lifelong QPR fan, has led the biggest investment in sports facilities and support in DMU’s history.
This has included the £8million QEII Leisure Centre, the £1million Watershed building – a home for DMU rowing, but also a permanent base for a range of sports teams – and a £2million project to open FA-standard pitches at Beaumont Park in Beaumont Leys. Next year a team of coaches will be appointed to support student sports teams.
The keynote speech was given just two days after LCFC clinched the Premier League champions for the first time in the club’s history, sparking celebrations across the city and around the world. Next week, LCFC stars Christian Fuchs and Andy King are due to visit DMU’s campus for a Q&A in front of hundreds of students and staff.
Professor Shellard said: “Seeing the Leicester miracle unfold has been fantastic. It is a story that has resonated across our campus and throughout the world. I’m very proud that DMU has been a partner of Leicester City for the past four years and that our students and staff can take part in the many celebrations to be held over the next few weeks.”
“I am a huge believer in the power of sport to transform and enhance the student experience. Having played football myself at university, I understand well how sport can help develop students’ confidence, commitment and resilience.
“Employers, too, recognise the skills developed by engaging in sport and students themselves have told me how much they have benefited from the extra investment in facilities and coaching.
“This is an exciting time for DMU as we enter the closing stages of our £136million campus transformation. Sport has been a key part of our plans and it was a pleasure to share DMU’s experiences with the sector.”
Posted on Wednesday 4 May 2016