Southern New Hampshire University has secured a multi-year agreement with Major League Soccer that makes the educational institution the league’s exclusive education partner.
MLS said the deal represents the first of its kind in the organisation’s history. Through the partnership, SNHU will encourage MLS players to pursue their higher-education degrees, while the league will provide exclusive learning opportunities and experiences to current SNHU students.
“Through this unique partnership we have the ability to provide players who want to play professionally with an opportunity to continue to pursue a high-quality college education,” MLS president and deputy commissioner Mark Abbott said. “This is a truly innovative agreement and one that will provide great benefits to both our players and our league.”
SNHU will provide educational scholarships for MLS players and staff throughout the partnership, particularly for players looking towards career options after retirement. Current SNHU students will benefit from engaging with MLS officials through coursework integration and league-based internships. The agreement also includes several community-based initiatives aimed at supporting youth programs, local charities and the military.
“We are excited to partner with an organisation that shares our passion for providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education,” SNHU president Paul LeBlanc added. “Partnering with MLS will allow us to meet students where they are and show them that higher education is within their reach.”