University of Bedfordshire set to enhance its partnership with Luton Town
The two have a long-standing partnership, offering opportunities to students at the club
Last updated 5th May 2025
The University of Bedfordshire has partnered with Luton Town Football Club to host a large-scale football and careers-focused event for local schools and colleges at Kenilworth Road stadium.
Now a regular fixture, the event is part of a long-standing collaboration between the university and the club.
David Seaton, Assistant Director at the University of Bedfordshire, said: "The University of Bedfordshire for many years has been a partner to Luton Town Football Club and every year they allow us to take over their stadium for one day where we invite local schools and colleges to come and have a competition."
This year’s event welcomed around 300 players, staff, and spectators.
Alongside the football tournament, visitors were able to tour the historic stadium and participate in activities organised by the university’s School of Sport Science and Physical Activity.
The event was an opportunity to explore what pathways the club can offer students throughout the duration of their university courses.
These opportunities include placements, internships, and match-day employment for students across a range of disciplines.
Mr Seaton explained how specific courses allow for targeted opportunities: "For example, our sport journalism team going along to Kenilworth Road to broadcast live and do live reporting on their games through to our students going on placements and internships both within the commercial side of the football club, but also the actual football side of things as well."
Students studying coaching, sports massage, and strength and conditioning have all benefited from real-world experience through this partnership.
Mr Seaton also noted the club’s role in supporting local business networks, where students can further develop industry links.
"There’s a number of opportunities for our students with specialist employers within the region to practise what they are taught on their course within the industry that they want to work in."
The event also highlighted the university’s focus on what it calls “career-powered education,” a model that embeds practical learning and industry collaboration across courses.
"The University of Bedfordshire is committed to ensuring that our students have got opportunities throughout their courses to participate in work-based learning working alongside local organisations and Luton Town are absolutely critical in our what we call our career-powered education message," he added.
The partnership is set to be enhanced by the stadium's move to a more central location within Luton, announced earlier in the week, a stone's throw away from the main university buildings.