Funding for UCFB to help boost students’ sports business education

Budding sports industry professionals will now receive improved training and sports management insights thanks to a £230,000 investment in learning tools by UCFB.

The higher education institution, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate sports business degrees, secured funding from asset finance specialist Academy Leasing to boost students’ learning efficiency.

Based at both Burnley Football Club and Wembley Stadium, the move has enabled UCFB to invest in items such as 235 Samsung tablets for both students and staff members, 45 library desktop computers and two Macbooks for its media course.

“The partnership with Academy Leasing has helped learning become more accessible across the two campuses,” said Rob Marsh, finance director at UCFB.

“The students’ tablets come pre-loaded with the UCFB portal, giving them instant access to educational resources whenever they want. Staff can also send downloadable learning materials prior to a lecture so students can prepare beforehand and follow the information given during class more readily.”

The deal also provided UCFB with 18 televisions for its student accommodation and 90 lecture theatre chairs.

With more than 500 students, UCFB originally worked with Academy Leasing when the Burnley campus first opened in 2011.

“The football and sports industry is a multi-billion pound market which requires talented individuals in order to keep growing,” said Michael Nolan, managing director at Academy Leasing. “UCFB is a leader in educating future sports business professionals and we’re delighted to have been given the opportunity to contribute to their continuing work.”