The University of Southampton has pledged to strengthen opportunities for women and youth footballers in the community on renewing its partnership with Eastleigh FC.
The new agreement will see the University support free coaching sessions with the Spitfires at its facilities.
The partnership deepens its commitment to Eastleigh , having become the club's official sponsor of its elite development squad last year.
Phil Malatesta , the University of Southampton's Associate Director of Sport and Community Services, said: "Eastleigh shares our common goal of bringing our communities together through the love of football and physical activity.
"This renewed agreement will give women and children across the region access to high-quality training and coaches, and other invaluable opportunities.
"It directly addresses the University's civic goals of improving the quality of people's lives and responds to the growing demand in our region for accessible sport."
Access to high-quality coaching
The new agreement will see the University women's football team host community sessions, acting as ambassadors and role models.
It includes free coaching sessions for women every Friday, at the club's Silverlake stadium, with additional football activities planned for children on Saturday mornings for a subsidised fee.
Student Hannah Warner, president of the University of Southampton women's club , said: "We are very excited about our involvement with Eastleigh, a collaboration which extends beyond the pitch and strengthens our commitment to the wider community.
"We hope that supporting the provision of free, high-quality football coaching and facilities - the kind of opportunities we ourselves would have loved as young female players - will empower women's football in our community and inspire the next generation."
As part of the agreement signed last year, Eastleigh men's first team and its development squad train at the University's Wide Lane sports ground.
The facility includes a grass and cork all-weather pitch, a strength and conditioning unit, and a designated Eastleigh FC changing room.
Tom Coffey , Vice Chairman of Eastleigh Football Club, said: "I am delighted to say our partnership with the University of Southampton has been extended for another year.
"Since we started working with each other 18 months ago, there has been a lot of synergy in our goals and motivations.
"We are keen to ensure our presence in the local area continues to grow and partnering with the University fits perfectly, creating a positive impact to the local community."
