Loughborough University – internationally known as a centre of sporting excellence – has signed a new partnership with Chelsea Football Club.
The five-time Premier League champions will use the football facilities on the Leicestershire campus for their youth development programme, and academy players will attend educational workshops hosted by the university.
In return, Loughborough will play a competitive match against the club’s academy side at its Cobham Training Ground, in surrey.
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Its coaching staff will also be invited to attend a separate training session to learn from some of the people working at the top of the professional game.
The partnership with Chelsea follows similar deals agreed with Liverpool and Derby County.
Loughborough also works closely with the Premier League and the Football Association.
Richard Allen, director of football at Loughborough University, said: “This agreement with Chelsea signifies another huge step towards what we’re trying to achieve here at Loughborough.
“The working relationship will strengthen our coaches’ knowledge base whilst also giving their academy players access to some of the best education in the country.
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“The friendly game will also provide an excellent experience for all involved and will certainly aid our squad’s development.”
John Steele, executive director of sport at Loughborough University, said: “The partnership with Chelsea is testament to how our football offering has grown in recent years through the hard work, commitment and dedication of our elite-level team.
“We’re looking forward to developing this special relationship and welcoming the academy and its support team to campus soon.”
Neil Bath, head youth development at Chelsea’s Academy, said: ‘As part of our wider partnership with Loughborough University, we are delighted to be able to use their excellent facilities for friendlies and look forward to welcoming the university to Cobham in the future.
“We are also excited to share coaching ideas and help our players take advantage of their award-winning educational opportunities.’
Loughborough University London already has a three-year strategic partnership with Chelsea that sees them work together on research, internships, player aftercare and other activities.