University of Warwick and Aston Villa Football Club forge bold new global partnership

Two of the region’s most iconic institutions, the University of Warwick and Aston Villa Football Club, on Wednesday announced a landmark partnership that will unite world-class education, elite sport, and cutting-edge research.

The collaboration aims to set new standards in how universities and professional sports organisations work together to combine academic excellence and innovation to drive the professionalisation of the sports industry.

Career in the sports sector

The agreement lays the foundations for a globally distinctive MBA and MSc in Management programme. This new partnership and postgraduate programmes will support people wishing to pursue or develop a career in the sports sector and its supply chain.

“The University of Warwick and Aston Villa Football are Midlands powerhouses recognised globally for their respective excellence. Working together, we are combining Warwick’s outstanding research and teaching with Aston Villa’s sporting prowess to open new opportunities for students, athletes, and our wider community. Together we aim to turn passion for sport into professional career opportunities. The University of Warwick’s world-renowned Warwick Business School will provide new MBA and MSc specialisms in Elite Sports Leadership and Management respectively,” stated Professor Andy Lockett, Dean of Warwick Business School, University of Warwick.

“Aston Villa has always been more than a football club; we are part of the Midlands community and a club with the ambition of having an impact at every level. This partnership with the University of Warwick reflects our commitment to creating opportunity and helping shape the future of the sports industry, from operations and analytics t technology, leadership and athlete development. By bringing together the very best of football and education, we hope to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders within the game,” said Francesco Calvo, president of business operations, Aston Villa FC.

Sports Leadership pathway at Warwick

Warwick Business School’s renowned MBA programme will now feature a new Sports Leadership pathway, offering specialist modules which will use insights from global sport to create the next generation of business leaders in the sector.

Both organisations will continue working together over the coming months to shape the rigorous academic programmes, research activity, and student development opportunities, as well as initiatives designed to support local communities and strengthen the region’s profile as a global centre for sporting excellence, education, and innovation.

University of Warwick was started in 1965

Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.

Aston Villa is founding member of Football League

Founded in 1874, Aston Villa Football Club is a founding member of the Football League and a leading institution in the English game. One of only six English clubs to have been crowned champions of Europe, the team has historically enjoyed exceptional success domestically, including seven First Division Championships, seven FA Cup titles, and five Football League Cups.

A club of the future, AVFC is committed to innovating technologically, on and off the pitch, providing best in-class experience for fans and leading the football industry for best practice. United behind the club values of pride, passion and purpose, Aston Villa Football Club continually strives to push the boundaries of what a football club should be.