AUT partners with Auckland FC
In an exciting new development, AUT has become an official partner of New Zealand’s newest A-League club, Auckland FC.
Non-commercial in nature, the partnership will provide a number of mutually beneficial opportunities and benefits for AUT students, staff and the players themselves - whose team represents a first for Tāmaki Makaurau in 17 years.
Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker, says, “We’re delighted to be collaborating with New Zealand’s top sports university and further cementing our place as part of the Auckland community.
“To have the support of, and access to, AUT’s people, resources and research is extremely valuable to the club and our aim of developing clear professional pathways for New Zealand’s top talent.”
AUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, says, “With AUT’s strong position in New Zealand’s sporting ecosystem – including its world-class sports research and our School of Sport and Recreation being ranked in the top 30 in the world – there is a natural synergy between the two organisations.
“The partnership is an ideal alignment from an educational, sporting and community perspective and will provide valuable opportunities for our students, staff and Auckland FC.
“This is also a significant moment for the development of football in Tāmaki Makaurau and we’re very proud to be standing alongside Auckland FC at the beginning of a new chapter of football in our city,” says Professor Salesa.