St Mirren link up with UWS

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has established a partnership agreement with St Mirren Football Club.
 
The University, which has campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley, is committed to having a transformational influence on the economic, social and cultural development of Scotland and enjoys close links with a number of local organisations and businesses.
 
The agreement will see UWS supporting the Paisley-based club in the installation of a new jumbo scoreboard, with St Mirren providing the University with a number of sponsorship and partnership working opportunities.
 
It is anticipated that this new development will result in wide reaching benefits for both organisations and should lead to a number of staff development opportunities; joint research studies; and opportunities for UWS students to participate in community coaching as well as other St Mirren community initiatives and club activities.
 
The University and the club have long enjoyed close links and this development will build on these ties, which in the past have seen students benefit from undertaking placements at St Mirren, the University providing facilities to help with players’ rehab, and the University hosting youth games at its Thornly Park sports centre.
 
Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “St Mirren FC is a great community club and we are delighted to have established this agreement with a club of their quality, playing in the top flight of Scottish football.
 
“The University is committed to working with organisations in its local campus areas and this agreement will result in a number of exciting partnership opportunities for both the club and UWS.”
 
Brian Caldwell, Chief Executive of St Mirren Football Club, said: “We are really looking forward to working in partnership with University of the West of Scotland to both of our organisations mutual benefits.
 
“We see great opportunities for the students with such a wide range of courses on offer at the University and giving them the opportunity to get first-hand experience to enhance their degrees by being involved with a professional football club which also has a huge community ethos.”