Saints partnership boosting opportunities for Solent

An agreement stretching back a decade, the collaboration continues to provide valuable real-world experiences and professional development opportunities for students across a wide range of disciplines.

In recent years, the relationship between the two institutions has grown significantly, with Sports & Exercise Therapy students at the forefront of hands-on learning within the elite sports environment. Student Jack Craze is currently completing his placement year with the Southampton FC Women’s team, gaining vital experience in a high-performance setting. In addition, three fellow students have been working closely with the men’s first team, supporting recovery work and refining their skills in a professional sports context. Final-year placements have also been secured across both the boys’ and girls’ academy systems, ensuring a pipeline of career-ready graduates.

Extending beyond placements, the partnership has also seen Saints’ medical staff visit Solent’s East Park Terrace to address students. Luke Thomas, the club’s First Team Physiotherapist, delivered a guest lecture on PARS fractures in professional sport as part of the second-year spinal module, and led a practical workshop on lower limb rehabilitation. Additionally, Jack Curson, First Team Sports Therapist, presented to first-year students on working within professional sports therapy.

The collaboration also stretches across Solent's creative courses. TV Production students had the opportunity to shadow operations in the public address room at St Mary’s Stadium, offering a behind-the-scenes look at live sports broadcasting. Sports Journalism students benefited from a guided tour of St Mary’s and direct interaction with the club’s media team, including insights from a former Solent student now working within the department.

The use of Solent’s Test Park facilities by the Senior Saints initiative since March has further solidified the partnership's local impact. Through this collaboration, opportunities have also been extended to local schools and colleges, offering stadium tours and inspiring the next generation of students.

Solent’s Communities Development team have also worked with the football club to provide opportunities for staff and students to watch Saints’ women’s team play. Regular competitions and other initiatives have helped to encourage those involved with the university to back their local team, with Solent also acting as shirt sponsor for the women’s team in 2025.

Southampton Solent’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Academic Strategy and Planning, Cathy Barnes, said:

“Our partnership with Southampton FC is a cornerstone of our commitment to real-world learning and community engagement. It continues to open doors for our students, providing them with unmatched access to elite environments and professional networks that will shape their futures.”

Greg Baker, Chief Revenue Officer, Southampton FC said:

“Our Partnership with Southampton Solent University is our longest standing partnership, spanning more than ten years and running across numerous aspects of the club, from the Foundation to Matchday Media. The University have provided us with invaluable resources with students volunteering in a number of community projects, whilst also working on key research opportunities across the business.

“The partnership is built on a true shared values and has evolved over the years to become a key pillar of support within our women’s team as we both look to increase the involvement of females within football and sport as a whole.”

As the collaboration deepens, both institutions look forward to continuing their shared mission of empowering students through innovative, hands-on experiences that bridge education and industry.

To find out more about the partnership visit our website, and if you’d like to get in touch to discuss how you could work with Solent please visit our Business Solutions page.