Rangers proud to launch educational programme in Northern Ireland

Young Bailey Magee with Rob Johnson, Universal Centre of Sport, Gary Gibson, Head of Soccer Academies at Rangers, Nathan Hanley, Northern Ireland Academy manager and Stephen Dunne MLA

Rangers say they are confident their new link up with Universal Centre of Sport (UCS) in Northern Ireland will produce results.

The collaboration, which was officially launched at Stormont on Thursday, offers opportunities to those passionate about education and football.

Following on from a successful launch in Scotland, the Bachelor of Science (BSc) undergraduate degree programme will see the Rangers Soccer Academy work alongside UCS to help with the learning development of students.

Students and student athletes will continue to work alongside their UCS lecturers but will now be able to utilise the club’s other practical facilities to supplement the academic delivery of the programme.

UCS is the higher education arm of VLUK, a nationwide government funded and regulated training provider.

They educate approximately 1500 learners in each academic year and have a proven track record of outstanding learner outcomes in the sports and performing arts industries.

Gary Gibson, Rangers’ Head of Soccer Academies and International Relations commented: “We are delighted to launch this higher education programme in partnership with Universal Centre of Sport in Northern Ireland.

“As part of this course, we will provide students with work experience where the students will shadow our experienced coaching staff across our soccer academy programmes, which will include term time, holiday courses, community projects and visits to Ibrox Stadium and the Rangers Training Centre.

“We will hold a number of development days for the students and invite key