Victoria University sports students will gain behind-the-scenes access at Real Madrid Football Club through a remarkable new partnership.

The five-year deal signed with Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea will see students in selected masters programs travel to Spain where they will be embedded at the school and have access to the club.

Victoria University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Dawkins said the partnership is a significant step in cementing VU’s position as Australia’s leading sports university.

Professor Dawkins explains "most people can only dream about seeing how one of the most successful sporting clubs in the world functions from the inside and asking questions directly to its staff but that is exactly what we are offering at VU.

"We pride ourselves on our expertise in sports education and strong industry links, and our newest partnership is another way we are continuing to provide world-class opportunities for our students."

Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea experience
Students enrolled in the Master of Sports Science (Football Performance) and Master of Sport Business and Integrity programs have the opportunity to complete a two-week exchange in Spain.

Students will visit Real Madrid Football Club and study at the Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea (a joint venture between Real Madrid FC and the European University of Madrid).

Staff from the Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea will also visit VU to teach courses, and share their expertise with students in Australia.

College of Sport & Exercise Science Dean, Professor Hans Westerbeek said the partnership will also bring Real Madrid expertise directly to classes in Australia.

Professor Westerbeek added "Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea has some of the world’s most highly-regarded sports educators, in football especially, and this partnership will see these very people deliver lectures at VU campuses in Australia"This means students will learn from a strengthened teaching staff throughout the duration of their degrees, not only while they’re in Madrid."

Legendary Real Madrid striker and now Director of Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea, Emilio Butragueño, said VU is the first Australian university to enter into a partnership with Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea and have access to the famed sporting club.

Butragueño concluded "Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea is excited about working with our first Australian partner.

"Victoria University has a reputation as a leading sports university, so we are very much looking forward to learning from their staff as well as sharing our knowledge with students."

Image: Professor Hans Westerbeek with Real Madrid club legend Emilio Butragueño at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

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