Following on from a successful launch in Scotland, the Bachelor of Science (BSc) undergraduate degree programme will see the Rangers Soccer Academy work alongside UCS to help with the learning development of students.
Students and student athletes will continue to work alongside their UCS lecturers but will now be able to utilise the club’s other practical facilities to supplement the academic delivery of the programme.
UCS is the higher education arm of VLUK, a nationwide government funded and regulated training provider. They educate approximately 1500 learners in each academic year and have a proven track record of outstanding learner outcomes in the sports and performing arts industries.
Gary Gibson, Rangers’ Head of Soccer Academies and International Relations commented: “We are delighted to launch this higher education programme in partnership with Universal Centre of Sport in Northern Ireland.
“As part of this course, we will provide students with work experience where the students will shadow our experienced coaching staff across our soccer academy programmes, which will include term time, holiday courses, community projects and visits to Ibrox Stadium and the Rangers Training Centre.
“We will hold a number of development days for the students and invite key members of staff from coaching, sports science, scouting, match analysis and medical, and they will join our monthly webinars with key staff members across the club and gain access to our cutting-edge Rangers Online Academy which will further aid in their development.
“As we continue to expand our programmes domestically and internationally, we want to be at the forefront in supporting students who have a desire to succeed in the sporting world and give them the tools necessary to work at all different levels and increase their knowledge and understanding and ultimately set them on the right career pathway.”
Rangers Chief Executive Officer, James Bisgrove, added: “We are delighted to help students’ development in Northern Ireland through this innovative collaboration with UCS. The programme has been highly-productive in Scotland and we are confident of similar success in this new venture.
“We are very cognisant of the resonance the Rangers name in Northern Ireland, and it is fantastic for us to be expanding our already excellent offering through Rangers Soccer Academies with this new partnership.
“We look forward to continuing to grow our presence in Northern Ireland, and I will be tracking the success of this programme as it evolves.”
Rob Johnson, CEO, Universal Centre of Sport also said: “UCS is privileged to be the Higher Educational partner of Rangers Football Club.
“Through our distinctive partnership, we provide young people with a pathway to pursue degree programmes, offering access to world-class coaching, facilities, and expertise at Rangers Football Club.
“Our integrated approach to learning allows us to expand the programme into various regions across the UK, and we are thrilled to announce the launch of this initiative in Northern Ireland.
“With the invaluable backing of Rangers Football Club, we are paving the way for individuals passionate about sport to access prestigious degree programs, empowering them to unleash their full potential.”