Students at Bournemouth University (BU) could receive support from AFC Bournemouth following the launch of the AFC Bournemouth Studentship.

The Studentship has been launched to provide two students from low-income households, on sport-related degree programmes, with funding and career support while studying at BU. The studentships are being offered as part of the ongoing partnership between BU and AFC Bournemouth, as BU is the official higher education partner of the Cherries.

The studentship is open to students starting in their second year of education at BU on one of the following programmes:

BSc (Hons) Sport Management BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching BSc(Hons) Sport & Exercise Science It will offer two students:

A non-repayable PS1,500 grant for the second and third years of their degree (total of PS3,000 over two years) Career and professional development to include opportunities for work shadowing, informal mentorship and involvement in AFC Bournemouth events and activities Jonathan Goode, Head of Fundraising & Alumni Relations at BU, said, "We are excited to build on the university's existing partnership with AFC Bournemouth to offer these two studentship opportunities to sports students. We know that funding makes a huge difference, particularly to those on low incomes, but we also know that the wraparound support will be invaluable in helping them to gain experience, build networks, and prepare for their careers after graduation. We are grateful to AFC Bournemouth for their support, and we look forward to awarding the studentships later this term."

James Derella, Vice President of Global Partnership Activation at AFC Bournemouth, said, "It's great to be able to support Bournemouth University with their Studentship programme and we look forward to welcoming the successful applicants into Vitality Stadium for some shadowing and mentorship.

"It's another brilliant initiative which benefits both organisations, while also helping students who may not have been exposed to such opportunities before."

For the purposes of this studentship, a low-income household is PS25,000 or less. However, if household income exceeds this but there are other factors/barriers that the student feels might affect their education and career success, they can provide this. The studentships are currently only available to home fee-paying students.

Students do not need to be set on a career in football specifically - the studentship will offer opportunities to understand all the work that goes into running a top-flight sports organisation.

To apply, students must complete the online application form by Friday 18th October. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal meeting with AFC Bournemouth representatives prior the final awards being made.

This is one of a number of studentships developed by BU to support students facing disadvantage or to encourage and support those from underrepresented groups. Details of further studentships can be found on the BU website.

Any partners wanting to get involved to support the future of their industry should contact [email protected]