Victoria University is excited to announce a new partnership with the Barça Innovation Hub, in an initiative that signals the organisation's first formal foray into the Australasian region.
This dynamic partnership brings together two leading sporting organisations to develop and offer more than 30 online short courses and micro credentials across a range of areas including: Sports Science, Psychology, Facility Management & Fan Engagement. The partnership will also explore joint events and undertake collaborative research addressing some of football's biggest current challenges.
Formed in 2017, Barça Innovation Hub is home to the largest sporting stadium in Europe and is responsible for sharing knowledge generated by FC Barcelona. Its mission is to create an internationally renowned Research and Development centre, and innovate in the sports sector in collaboration with the best brands and the most prestigious professionals. The key areas of application include medical services, performance, technology, team sports, and social sciences.
Professor Sam Robertson of Victoria University acknowledged both the importance and timing of the announcement.
"We have had a developing relationship with FC Barcelona for some time, having conducted global test events for electronic performance & tracking system (EPTS) at Camp Nou in both 2018 and 2019 on behalf of FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association). Partnering with Barça Innovation Hub was therefore a natural progression to take this relationship to the next level. The partnership adds to our already considerable engagement in football both in Europe through our ongoing work with FIFA, as well as locally through engagements with the Melbourne Victory and Western United Football Clubs.
As we move towards the Women's World Cup, taking place here in Australia in 2023, this initiative serves to solidify our reputation as the 'university home' of football in this country."
Barça Universitas Manager, Strategy & Innovation Mr Marcos Picallo Aguilar stated "We are excited to welcome Victoria University to the Barça Innovation Hub ecosystem, and strongly believe this alliance can help both the development and professionalisation of the sports industry in the Australasian region."
"VU is currently ranked number 9 globally for sport science education. This new partnership will only strengthen our position and encourage anyone looking to either expand their existing knowledge across Sports Science, Psychology, Facility Management & Fan Engagement, or kick-start a new career", said Professor Robertson.
This new historic partnership supports the University's Sport Strategy, 2019-2023: From Grassroots to Elite as VU continues to grow its profile and reputation as leaders in the field of sport, from elite sporting involvement right through to experts who support general health and wellbeing through exercise and active living.
