Manchester’s University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) and the Johan Cruyff Institute have signed a strategic partnership to launch three new academic courses designed to develop the next generation of leaders across the global sports industry.
The partnership introduces a portfolio of courses spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education, designed to equip professionals at all stages of their careers to navigate the increasingly complex global sports ecosystem:
- BA (Hons) in Sports Management: Blended online and residential courses in London and Manchester, with an optional study trip to Barcelona.
- MSc in Sports Directorship: Designed for former players and senior executives, focusing on leadership, strategy, and governance.
- Executive Course in Sports Leadership: For CEOs, club owners, and federation leaders, covering global strategy, innovation, and high-performance leadership.
READ MORE: From Ceilidhs to choirs as Glasgow community festival launches fifth edition
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment by UCFB and the Johan Cruyff Institute to professionalising the sector globally, equipping students and practitioners to make a meaningful and enduring impact on the future of sport.
The three initial courses represent a first step in a wider strategic alliance, aimed at extending the organisations collaboration through new educational courses at all levels, including the methodological aspects of football.
UCFB is the leading destination for degree courses in the sports and football industry in the UK, offering innovative courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive levels, designed to give students and professionals the best possible chance of a successful career.
Founded to continue the academic legacy of footballing legend Cruyff, the Johan Cruyff Institute has been a pioneering sports management education provider since 1999, with a focus on supporting dual careers for athletes and promoting professionalism at all levels of the sports industry.
“This partnership represents a significant milestone for UCFB and for the future of global sports education. UCFB and Johan Cruyff Institute share a belief that education must sit at the heart of professionalising sport worldwide,” said Brendan Flood, founder and chair at UCFB.
“By combining our academic innovation and industry networks with Johan Cruyff Institute’s global perspective and leadership heritage, we are creating a powerful platform to develop the next generation of sports leaders; individuals who will shape the industry strategically, sustainably, and with true understanding of its global impact,” Flood added.
The partnership was formally signed by Johan’s son, Jordi, formerly of Manchester Utd and currently technical director at Ajax, and UCFB chair and founder Brendan Flood, at the iconic Johan Cruyff Arena at the weekend.
Cruyff said: “Developing leaders who understand both the game and the strategy behind it is essential for the future of sport. This partnership with UCFB enables us to bring our vision and experience to the development of professionals prepared to make decisions with identity and a global perspective.”
“It is a privilege for Johan Cruyff Institute to establish this strategic alliance with UCFB, a leading institution in specialised higher education for the sports industry. The combination of its academic strength and close industry ties, together with our experience and international network, enables us to develop innovative programmes aligned with the real needs of professionals and sports organisations worldwide,” Albert Romans, general manager of Johan Cruyff Institute, added.
Through the partnership, UCFB and Johan Cruyff Institute will consolidate their commitment to developing professionals capable of transforming the sports industry from a global, innovative, and sustainable perspective.
