AFC Bournemouth is celebrating success following promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their 116 year history.
The Dorset based football club were crowned champions of the Championship, finishing first in the league. The Cherries and Bournemouth University are two years into a long-term partnership, which joins two of Dorset's largest and most established institutions to combine their efforts and underline their commitment to support and help the local community.
As the Cherries have achieved an historic promotion to the top flight of English football, by winning the Championship, BU has added its congratulations to their long term partners.
Jim Andrews, Chief Operating Officer at Bournemouth University, said, “AFC Bournemouth and Bournemouth University have worked together for many years, and our recent partnership agreement has enhanced the relationship further. We’re so proud to partner with the football club and our heartfelt congratulations go to everyone at the club on their promotion to the Premier League.
“They are just one of a number of examples of local organisations that are putting Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset, on a global map and we as a University are proud to support the Cherries. We are looking forward to continuing our relationship in the years to come and look forward to watching AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League next season.”
AFC Bournemouth have helped to support a number of Bournemouth University students through placements and training during the partnership. One such student is Glebs Kiselovs, a BA Business with Marketing student at BU, who said, "AFC Bournemouth is one of the most energetic places I have ever seen and been part of it is a pleasure. In the last two seasons I worked with so many different people, starting from directors and managers of the club and finishing with our fans and even Junior Cherries.
“One of the most inspiring moments for me was during the last home game of the season. One of our supporters came to me and said that without my help he "would not be able to sing any of our songs... would not be able to support the Cherries". In such moments you realise how important your job is."
The Cherries also sent two highly experienced coaches to manage Bournemouth University's football teams and, in their first season in charge, the first and third team claimed league titles. Both Steve Cuss and Dan Neville were crowned Coaches of Year at the 2014 Sports Ball.
BU is also a partner of Green Goals, a unique partnership between nine local businesses that aims to raise environmental awareness, improve the quality of the local environment and benefit the community as a whole.
Well done to everyone at AFC Bournemouth and good luck in the Premier League next season, where we will once again be cheering you on!
