MLS Announces Education Partnership with SNHU

[asylumseeker]

SNHU, MLS Announce Exclusive Education Partnership
SNHU Athletics

MANCHESTER, N.H. – Southern New Hampshire University and Major League Soccer recently announced a multi-year partnership making SNHU the league's exclusive education partner, an arrangement that is the first of its kind for MLS.

"We are excited to partner with an organization that shares our passion for providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education," said SNHU President Dr. Paul LeBlanc. "Partnering with MLS will allow us to meet students where they are and show them that higher education is within their reach."

Through the partnership, SNHU will empower MLS players to pursue their higher-education degrees, while MLS will provide exclusive learning opportunities and experiences to current SNHU students. The university will partner with MLS to reach and support students that require innovative education options.

SNHU will provide educational scholarships for MLS players and staff throughout the partnership, particularly for players looking towards career options after retirement. Current SNHU students will benefit from engaging with key MLS officials through coursework integration and league-based internships. The agreement also includes several community-based initiatives aimed at supporting youth programs, local charities and the military.

SNHU, which is one of the nation's top collegiate soccer programs at the NCAA Division II level, has won a pair of national championships, with the most recent coming in 2013.  Several former Penmen student-athletes have gone on to play or work in MLS.

Freddie Butler was selected in the second round of the inaugural 1996 MLS Draft and played with the San Jose Clash and Columbus Crew.  Preston Burpo spent time as a goalkeeper with Chivas USA, the Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution and has served as a goalkeeper coach for the Montreal Impact and D.C. United.  Pierre Omanga, the 2013 NSCAA Division II Player of the Year, was drafted by the New England Revolution in 2014, while Chris Tsonis (pictured) is currently a member of the New York Red Bulls organization as a member of Red Bulls II that plays in the USL.

John Guppy, a member of SNHU's first national championship team in 1989 and a two-time All-American, worked in MLS as president and CEO of the Chicago Fire as well as with MetroStars.  Marc de Grandpre, a former hockey and baseball player at SNHU, currently serves as general manager for the Red Bulls.  Finally, MLS veteran Khano Smith, who played in 100 games with the Revolution, recently joined the Penmen men's soccer coaching staff.

[soccerman]

This is an excellent move by the MLS

[Controversial]

this should also be done locally with uwi or utt... with regards to the pro league...

[kounty]

this should also be done locally with uwi or utt... with regards to the pro league...

you really see the parallels there?

[King Deese]

Is Dexter Skeene still alive?

[asylumseeker]

Now comes news from Colombia that a similar education initiative has been put in place there.

While FPATT has evaporated from having a meaningful role, the Colombian professional football players association (Acolfutpro) has signed an agreement with the Universidad Nacional de Colombia so that players are able to finish primary and secondary education via distance education, and to embark on studies at the university level for life after football. And yes, you read that correctly ... primary school.

The initiative provides for a 15% discount to participants. A further 10% applies on top of that ... to those who provide evidence that they are registered to vote.

http://colombia.as.com/colombia/2015/08/21/futbol/1440109546_489934.html?omnil=mod-act

Big up to Acolfutpro!!!

Edit: forgot to mention that this arrangement applies to girls and women also.

[Deeks]

Wasn't their some kind of program in UTT for this kind of initiative. Gally was one of the instructors, if I remember.

[asylumseeker]

FC Bayern and Columbia University announce partnership
Bayern Munich

FC Bayern Munich and one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, Columbia University, have announced a partnership to support the curriculum of the school's Sports Management Master of Science program.

FC Bayern will be the graduate program’s exclusive European club partner in the U.S. and provide its students valuable insights into one of the most successful and celebrated sports brands in the world. FC Bayern will support Columbia’s Sports Management graduate program with content for instruction and dialogue within the classroom setting including guest lecturers, case studies and other resources benefitting the program’s key areas of focus: the global sports market, digital sports media and sports analytics, using FC Bayern’s model and track record of global branding and financial success.

The academic alliance will provide FC Bayern with access to a world-renowned student body, faculty and global network of academics and professionals and serve as a valuable resource in the club’s efforts to build the brand in the United States.

The partnership will also include developing joint initiatives and events to find new and meaningful ways for FC Bayern and Columbia to deepen the cooperation as respective leaders in their industry.

Vince Gennaro, Director of the Columbia Sports Management program at Columbia University, commented: “Our students in the Sports Management program are privileged to be able to learn from FC Bayern’s successful global business strategy. We strive to offer compelling real-world curriculum that helps our students secure top careers after graduation.”Rudolf Vidal, Managing Director of FC Bayern Munich US, commented: “Through this partnership, we will help shape the brightest minds in the sports industry. As we continue to grow our roots in the States, and around the globe, Columbia’s international appeal and network will be key in providing early access to gifted professionals embarking on careers in the sports world.”