University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) is excited to announce the launch of the Global Institute of Sport (GIS) – its new destination for Master’s degrees and Executive Education around the world.
Utilising a global network of industry leaders and elite stadium venues, including the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, the launch of GIS will also see the addition of a world-class executive education portfolio led by Manchester–based VSI Executive Education (VSI) and an industry advisory board packed with leading names in the world of sport.
GIS will offer current and aspiring sports professionals the chance to expand and excel in the industry with a number of university degrees and specialist programmes spanning leadership, finance and business, delivered by some of the most experienced and respected practitioners from education and sport.
Students will learn at some of the world’s leading sports destinations as part of their studies, including UCFB’s existing campus locations in Manchester and London, which include Etihad and Wembley stadiums respectively.
Further first-class stadium surroundings include GIS Study Hubs at Red Bull Arena in New York Metro, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Toronto FC’s BMO Field and the incredible Melbourne Cricket Ground, where annual GIS Sports Summits are hosted. Several degree programmes are also available to study online, allowing students greater flexibility around their studies.
GIS students will also have the opportunity to attend a La Liga Summit for the first time in 2020/21 to grow their network and understanding of Spanish football.
As part of the launch, GIS has joined forces with VSI – a market leader in executive education – and will be running its leading MSc Sports Directorship degree programme, as well as its CEO of a Sports Organisation and Executive Athlete courses. Alumni of VSI include ECB Director and former England cricketer Ashley Giles, Olympic medal winning gymnast Beth Tweddle and Salford Red Devils chief executive Ian Blease.
Having founded UCFB in 2010 and overseen its rapid growth since, GIS Chairman and Burnley FC Director Brendan Flood commented: “The introduction of the Global Institute of Sport marks an historic milestone in the journey of UCFB and our postgraduate provision. In our 10th year since we began with a campus at Turf Moor, we are proud to be delivering world-class higher education across the globe to over 2,500 students. This is an exciting moment as we diversify further into multi-sport education on four continents.
“Having admired what VSI has been doing for many years, we’re delighted to partner with them to provide unique executive education for sport. Their addition to the UCFB and GIS family solidifies our place as the go-to organisation for lifelong learning in sport globally.”
In an effort to enhance the learning environment and networking opportunities available to students, GIS has created an Industry Advisory Board featuring an array of leading names from across the global sports industry. Individuals including former Premier League footballer and now Atlanta United Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra, CONCACAF Director of Development Jason Roberts and Melbourne Cricket Club’s GM Commercial Operations & Partnerships Jennifer Watt will form part of this illustrious network.
Commenting on the organisation’s launch, GIS President Sharona Friedman said: “The launch of the Global Institute of Sport is the culmination of several years’ work to build the best Master’s-level sports education experience in the world.
“We’re proud to present an enviable Industry Advisory Board and Executive Leadership Team spanning four continents to guide our curriculum and mould the future leaders of this sector. We’re providing students with increased networking opportunities between our iconic stadium venues and online, as well as short courses to ensure they have the soft skills that will matter in tomorrow’s market. The education on offer to GIS students will be truly one-of-a-kind and I’m excited to meet our cohort starting in September.”
As part of GIS’ launch, four networking centres in Dubai, Mumbai, Shanghai and Singapore will also open to allow students and alumni the chance to expand their contacts base, as well as enable these destinations to take their sports industries to the next level with GIS’ executive education portfolio.
