BOURNEMOUTH University’s successful partnership with AFC Bournemouth is to be extended for a further three years.

The new agreement builds on the existing strong links already in place between two of Dorset’s leading organisations and includes a new commitment to the development of girls’ football in Dorset with BU becoming the main partner of all AFC Bournemouth girls’ teams.

BU will be providing educational opportunities to the teams alongside the football development that takes place for the four teams covering the Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 age groups.

BU will also become a Junior Cherries Partner for the new season and invite members of this popular club for AFC Bournemouth’s younger fans to attend special events at the university with an educational aspect, such as the CSI/Forensic sessions that have run for the past two years.

Alongside this, the BU men’s and ladies’ teams will continue to benefit from professional coaching from the AFCB Community Trust, while BU students will again have the chance to be matchday ambassadors, and BU journalism students will have the chance to work with the media operation at the club, providing BU students with a great range of development opportunities.

Jim Andrews, BU’s Chief Operating Officer, said: "We are very proud of our partnership with AFC Bournemouth and the global profile the club’s success has brought to our great location as a place to study and work.

"The partnership provides a range of benefits to students and staff alongside this opportunity to raise educational opportunities to the next generation in Dorset and I look forward to another inspiring season of partnership on and off the field."

Rob Mitchell, AFC Bournemouth Commercial Director, said: "The university’s new support for girls’ football and the Junior Cherries will bring mutual benefits and raise awareness of educational opportunities for future generations.”

To mark the new partnership and the focus on girls’ football development BU students Chloe Tape and Chloe Debaes, who are both involved in coaching work for the girls’ teams at AFCB, joined Jim Andrews and Rob Mitchell at the Vitality Stadium.

Chloe Tape studied Sport Psychology and Coaching Sciences at BU and is coach for AFC Bournemouth U12s girls’ team. Chloe Debaes studied Sport Development and Coaching Sciences and is assistant coach for AFC Bournemouth U16s girls’ team.