BOURNEMOUTH University and AFC Bournemouth are celebrating a fruitful first year of their long-term partnership.

The organisations joined forces last year to combine their efforts and underline their commitment to support and help the community and both say they are delighted with the progress made so far.

The Cherries have also helped to support a number of Bournemouth University students through placements and training and have benefitted throughout the year from a team of student ambassadors, who have been made available to improve the Goldsands Stadium match day experience for supporters.

Acting as a visible point of contact for supporter queries, ambassadors have assisted disabled supporters, engaged with young fans in the Junior Fanzone and gathered data and feedback to help the club improve match days.

The Cherries also sent two experienced coaches to manage Bournemouth University’s football teams and, in their first season in charge, the first and third team claimed league titles.

Both Steve Cuss and Dan Neville were crowned Coaches of Year at the 2014 Sports Ball.

AFC Bournemouth and the University joined forces when Premier League runners-up Liverpool visited the town for an FA Cup fourth round tie.

Bournemouth University also became a partner of Green Goals, a partnership between nine businesses that aims to raise environmental awareness, improve the quality of the local environment and benefit the community.

AFCB commercial director Rob Mitchell said: “As a Bournemouth University graduate myself, it’s great to have AFC Bournemouth working so closely with Bournemouth University.

“It’s a fine example of a two way partnership where we are able to offer some valuable project and work placement opportunities to help enhance students overall experience whilst studying in Bournemouth, as well as giving them a competitive edge when they go into employment.

“The football club benefits from access to enthusiastic and knowledgeable students, as well as the university’s resources. With 40 per cent of students coming from within 40 miles of Bournemouth, we are their local football club. The other 60 per cent we want to encourage to follow and engage with the Cherries while they study in Bournemouth.”

Bournemouth University chief operating officer, Jim Andrews, added: “AFC Bournemouth and Bournemouth University have worked together for many years and this new partnership has enhanced the relationship further benefiting both current and future students.”