AMBS and the MFA have announced a new strategic partnership, which will see the two collaborate in delivering teaching and research around the business of football.
Under the agreement, Manchester Football Association (MFA) staff will be given access to AMBS' suite of open executive education programmes, covering topics including strategic thinking, financial management, marketing, and operational skills.
Key MFA stakeholders with their own businesses, including staff, players and volunteers within grassroots, will also be able to access the OPEN SME programme - an on-demand, cost-free initiative for small business owners.
Drawing on key research and knowledge from experts across the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford and University of Bolton, the flexible training grants small business owners the skills they need to thrive.
The partnership will provide AMBS students with the opportunity to gain work experience with the MFA, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to practical situations and gain valuable industry experience.
Alongside this, the two have outlined plans to collaborate on research projects focussed on the business and social aspects of football, such as:
- Sports management
- Community engagement
- Marketing in sports
- The economic impact of grassroots football.
This will allow the MFA to leverage AMBS' academic expertise to support the development of its own operations and provide consultancy for partner clubs.
Ken McPhail, Head of Alliance Manchester Business School, said: "Manchester is world-renowned for its football culture, and bodies such as the MFA have an integral role in creating an environment that allows the game to thrive at all levels - from grassroots to the Premier League.
"With this in mind, this partnership represents a great chance for us to pool our resources and share our expertise to help drive the game forward - while providing our students with access to exciting opportunities to work in the game. We look forward to building this partnership moving forwards."
The strategic partnership comes shortly after the launch of MFA's new operational strategy and will help underpin the organisation's efforts to grow and develop grassroots and women's football.
Colin Bridgford, Chief Executive Officer from the Manchester Football Association said: "As football's worldwide commercial appeal continues to grow, it's becoming increasingly important that we use all the tools at our disposal to navigate the increasingly complex business environment that surrounds the game, and at all levels.
"AMBS' world leading academics and facilities bring a wealth of experience and expertise, and this partnership will allow both parties to benefit with the aim of making football more accessible and beneficial for our grassroots communities across Greater Manchester and ultimately providing a better grassroots game in Greater Manchester."