In a groundbreaking move, the Dutch football club Graafschap-V 2.1.2 has partnered with the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE) in Brazil to create a unique and innovative sports development program. This collaboration, which is the first of its kind between a European football club and a Brazilian university, aims to combine the expertise of both institutions to provide a world-class training and education experience for aspiring footballers.
The partnership was officially announced at a press conference held at UFRPE’s campus in Recife, Brazil, where representatives from Graafschap-V 2.1.2 and UFRPE discussed the goals and objectives of the program. The program will see talented young footballers from Brazil travel to the Netherlands to train with the club’s professional coaches and players, while also studying at UFRPE to earn a degree in Sports Science.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with UFRPE on this exciting initiative,” said Jan-Willem Boesveld, the CEO of Graafschap-V 2.1.2. “By combining the football expertise of our club with the academic resources of UFRPE, we believe we can provide young athletes with a holistic development experience that will prepare them for success both on and off the pitch.”
Under the partnership, the selected players will have access to state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment at Graafschap-V 2.1.2, as well as the opportunity to compete in friendly matches against other European clubs. They will also receive personalized coaching and mentoring from the club’s experienced staff, who will help them improve their technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning.
In addition to their football training, the players will also take classes at UFRPE in subjects such as sports psychology, nutrition, and injury prevention. Upon completion of the program, the players will graduate with a degree in Sports Science from UFRPE, providing them with a solid foundation for a successful career in football or related fields.
“This partnership represents a unique opportunity for our students to gain valuable experience in the world of professional football, while also furthering their education,” said Professor Maria da Silva, the Dean of UFRPE’s Sports Science Department. “We are excited to work with Graafschap-V 2.1.2 to develop the next generation of Brazilian football talent and contribute to the global sports community.”
The program is set to launch in the upcoming academic year, with a select group of players from Brazil set to embark on their training and education journey in the Netherlands. Both Graafschap-V 2.1.2 and UFRPE are committed to making this partnership a success and are hopeful that it will serve as a model for future collaborations between European football clubs and academic institutions around the world.
