ABSTRACT
In 2016 The University of the West of England (UWE) approached Bristol City Robins Foundation (BCRF) to develop UWE's second undergraduate degree programme using Team Academy methods, this time, in a sports context. This research aimed to explore the learnings and reflections of launching a sister programme using the team academy methodology within a sporting context. The research uses illuminative evaluation and focus groups with staff from both partnering organizations to examine the initial planning, processes, continuing growth, and navigation of the programme's development, as well as a focus on the ongoing partnership relationship and ethical considerations. The research identifies learnings, such as the alignment of organizational values when identifying an organization to partner with, and the significance of building positive, trusting, and authentic relationships when learning about the methodology and developing the programme. Proximity of location between the partners was identified allowing support to be more accessible and on-site resources to be available from the sister programme. Key learning is shared for other institutions who may set up similar partnerships, with a range of insights and experience drawn.
