Staffordshire University have become Stoke City's first Education & Lifelong Learning Partner, reports www.fcbusiness.co.uk

The Potters have strengthened their existing ties with Staffordshire University with the signing of the multi-year partnership, which will see the University have branding rights on the Boothen End Stand at the bet365 Stadium and support the Club's City 7s initiative.

Stoke City Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: "We are into our sixth year of working with Staffordshire University and over that period of time our relationship has developed and grown.

"It's important that major organisations in the city of Stoke-on-Trent work in collaboration. Like us Staffordshire University are committed to the local community and we share many of the same values."

The partnership with Staffordshire University will also see the Club deliver a series of practiced-based masterclasses and workshops for students in areas such as football coaching and business practice.

The Potters will also provide live briefs for Staffordshire students, creating opportunities for them to work on specific projects with the aim of benefitting the Club's Community Trust which in turn will support students in developing experience of delivering to the standards set by a Premier League Football Club.