BOURNEMOUTH University has joined forces with AFC Bournemouth as its Higher Education Partner for a sixth year.

The club has long-established links with the university, which began when it competed in League 1.

To mark the new partnership and the focus on girls’ football development, representatives from the Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 AFC Bournemouth girls’ teams met AFCB Defender Tyrone Mings and AFCB Commercial Director, Rob Mitchell, at Vitality Stadium.

BU will also remain a Junior Cherries Partner for the new season and members of this popular club for AFC Bournemouth’s younger fans will be invited to attend special events at the university with an educational aspect.

Rob Mitchell, AFC Bournemouth Commercial Director, said: "We are delighted to extend our partnership with Bournemouth University for the new season and academic year.

"Our close relationship offers Bournemouth University students the opportunity to support the club in a number of important projects and schemes, as well as providing internships and work placements across a range of departments.

"In addition, the university’s continued support for girls’ football and the Junior Cherries will bring mutual benefits and raise awareness of educational opportunities for future generations."

Benefits of the partnership include the chance for BU men's and ladies' football teams to benefit from professional coaching from the AFCB Community Trust. Students will also get the opportunity to be match day ambassadors and journalism students will work with the media team at the club.

Academics have also been working with the football club's coaching and physio team.

Jim Andrews, BU’s Chief Operating Officer, said: "Bournemouth University have been partnering with AFC Bournemouth for a number of years now, and we’re so proud of what the partnership has brought about. We’ve been working together to the benefit of both organisations, and Bournemouth as a whole.

"We’re also incredibly proud to see our local football team continue their Premier League journey, and we’ll be supporting them all the way as the season progresses."