Article about Pompey's links with the University

[just blue]

From the BBC. Some interesting Michael Eisner comments.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-44226655

[Milton End]

Michael Eisner - an owner who actually supports young people and the local community in Portsmouth.

I'm trying to recall the last time: Deacon? Terry V? Milan? Gaydamak? The Sheik(s)? Portpin? The Lithuanian bankers?

[Earl Grey]

I suppose it's possible he thinks the American model is one that might work here where potential players get to go to college/uni based simply on the strength of their playing talent. At least that's what I think happens there...not any real idea how it works to be honest because I don't have any interest in American sport.

[This Time Next Year]

I suppose it's possible he thinks the American model is one that might work here where potential players get to go to college/uni based simply on the strength of their playing talent. At least that's what I think happens there...not any real idea how it works to be honest because I don't have any interest in American sport.

There's a token acknowledgment of basic academic achievement, but yes that's basically how it works.

[just blue]

I suppose it's possible he thinks the American model is one that might work here where potential players get to go to college/uni based simply on the strength of their playing talent. At least that's what I think happens there...not any real idea how it works to be honest because I don't have any interest in American sport.

I think it's more than that. He wants his club to help improve the numbers of young people from Portsmouth going to university. The vice-chancellor of the uni, Graham Galbraith, says that white working-class boys are the group least likely to go to university and these are "the backbone of the club's support".

Every youngster kicking a ball in a Pompey shirt is going to be wearing the name of the university and they want to connect with families "who don't see education as important, people who think education is not needed".

The football club has an authenticity and credibility for Pompey fans and Prof Galbraith wants young people to see the university as part of the team they support.

[Earl Grey]

I suppose it's possible he thinks the American model is one that might work here where potential players get to go to college/uni based simply on the strength of their playing talent. At least that's what I think happens there...not any real idea how it works to be honest because I don't have any interest in American sport.

I think it's more than that. He wants his club to help improve the numbers of young people from Portsmouth going to university. The vice-chancellor of the uni, Graham Galbraith, says that white working-class boys are the group least likely to go to university and these are "the backbone of the club's support".

Every youngster kicking a ball in a Pompey shirt is going to be wearing the name of the university and they want to connect with families "who don't see education as important, people who think education is not needed".

The football club has an authenticity and credibility for Pompey fans and Prof Galbraith wants young people to see the university as part of the team they support.

I'm sure you're right there but Eisner doesn't strike me as doing anything that's purely without some kind of kickback to help the club. True altruism is something that is rare.

[just blue]

I suppose it's possible he thinks the American model is one that might work here where potential players get to go to college/uni based simply on the strength of their playing talent. At least that's what I think happens there...not any real idea how it works to be honest because I don't have any interest in American sport.

I think it's more than that. He wants his club to help improve the numbers of young people from Portsmouth going to university. The vice-chancellor of the uni, Graham Galbraith, says that white working-class boys are the group least likely to go to university and these are "the backbone of the club's support".

Every youngster kicking a ball in a Pompey shirt is going to be wearing the name of the university and they want to connect with families "who don't see education as important, people who think education is not needed".

The football club has an authenticity and credibility for Pompey fans and Prof Galbraith wants young people to see the university as part of the team they support.

I'm sure you're right there but Eisner doesn't strike me as doing anything that's purely without some kind of kickback to help the club. True altruism is something that is rare.

Yes you're right. The article says: The club has its own self-interests in the link with the university. Mr Eisner says there will be a "synergy" with the university's sports science department, which could help with the team's training.

Weybridge made this point under the thread New Sponsors:

I think this is a brilliant decision, and is way more than just a cash sponsor. Possibly the best since Eisner’s takeover.

The Sports Science programme is arguably the best in the country, and offers a wealth of untapped resources. If the club offers scholarships, as in the US - this could be a way of attracting overseas talent normally out of reach. Both on and off the pitch.