Sixty Chinese football coaches spent three months studying at BU this summer as part of the British Council China-UK Football Study Programme.
The coaches enjoyed a specially developed programme to improve their skills and knowledge in collaboration with BU and AFC Bournemouth. BU's was one of only three successful programmes chosen by the British Council from 35 UK university bids.
The study programme used the UK’s expertise and resources to help football coaches from Chinese schools and universities learn more about football management; improve their technical skills and theoretical knowledge; and develop their capacity to train young people and increase China’s football competitiveness.
The programme formed part of the China State Council’s plan to boost the development of football in the country, with the aim of training 50,000 coaches by 2020. BU academics led lectures and seminars on the principles, psychology and theory behind coaching and management, alongside practical coaching and conditioning sessions from Sport BU and AFC Bournemouth.
Sonal Minocha, BU Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global Engagement, said: “It is a prime example of our expanding global capital and we are delighted to work alongside our partners AFC Bournemouth to deliver coaching training to Chinese coaches this summer that will underpin the development of their football infrastructure in the future. At the heart of this tripartite relationship is a shared passion for the development of future global talent and we can be collectively proud of placing our county on the global map through this work”.
Jeff Mostyn, AFC Bournemouth chairman, said: “Having 60 coaches from China studying in Bournemouth is a great example of the international impact and benefits to both ‘Premier League’ organisations of the university and football club working in partnership.”
Wang Gang, vice president of the Federation of University Sports of China and China School Sports Federation said: “I believe we will have a successful strategic collaboration. I wish Bournemouth University success in creating global impact by taking their Fusion vision global.”