Staffordshire University and Port Vale Football Club have joined forces to raise aspirations across North Staffordshire.

The organisations have worked closely together for many years and, this season, Staffordshire University will become one of Port Vale’s Principal Partners.

The partnership will work to enhance and develop community engagement and educational opportunities in the region.

Carol Shanahan, Chair and Co-owner of Port Vale Football Club, has strong links with the University and was awarded an honorary degree for her contribution to the region’s economic growth and employment in 2017.

She said: “We’re incredibly excited to renew our partnership. Our organisations both have long, proud histories serving our region and, by working together, we can continue to support the community and help to build Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire’s reputation.”

Staffordshire University students will benefit from career pathways through Port Vale, leading to valuable work experience and employment opportunities.

The club will also draw on its expertise in coaching, finance, events and more to deliver a series of practice-based masterclasses and workshops at Staffordshire University.

The partnership will also focus on boosting literacy in the area and promoting healthy lifestyles, driving positive change at a grass-roots level across communities.

Professor Liz Barnes CBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Staffordshire University, commented: “Stoke-on-Trent is a fantastic city, but it faces key challenges, such as deprivation and low participation in higher education.

“By working collaboratively, we hope to inspire all ages to engage with education, promote wellbeing and provide opportunities for people across the region.”