AFC Bournemouth staff and Bournemouth University alumni visited Bournemouth School for Girls (BSG) to discuss their careers and share insights into the role of women in football.
Pupils from across BSG girls’ football teams, some of whom were in kit ready to head to their next match, attended the lunchtime panel discussion on Tuesday 5th December.
BU graduate and AFCB Commercial Director Rob Mitchell joined AFCB Partnership Executive Amy Marks and Head of Community Steve Cuss to discuss their roles at the club, their career journey and the changes they’ve seen since the club has joined the Premier League.
BU alumni Rosie Merrison and Chloe Tape, who both now work for SportBU, also joined the panel debate – chaired by BU’s Head of Corporate Communications Mark Covell – to share their advice and experiences of playing competitive sport and studying for a degree.
Chloe undertook a placement year at AFC Bournemouth and plays for the AFCB Ladies Team, while Rosie – who works in Sports Outreach – took the opportunity to travel to the USA to coach while studying.
BU is the official Higher Education Partner of AFC Bournemouth and the visit took place ahead of the BU Big Match on Sunday 17 December.
The match, at Vitality Stadium against Liverpool FC, showcases the opportunities and activities the partnership provides.
This includes BU supporting the next generation of sporting talent as a Junior Cherries partner. This year the university has sponsored all of the AFC Bournemouth girls’ teams - championing its commitment to develop girls’ football across Dorset.
BSG Headteacher Alistair Brien said: “We are really proud of our links with Bournemouth University and AFC Bournemouth and this was a great experience for the girls, especially hearing from women working in sport both at the university and in the Premier League with AFC Bournemouth.”
