Edinburgh University Association Football Club score support from Edinburgh-based consultancy firm Alba Partners

Alba Partners are taking up sponsorship of Edinburgh University Football Club

Management consultancy firm Alba Partners has entered a long-term sponsorship agreement with Edinburgh University Association Football Club to support the development and growth of its Performance Football Programme.

The announcement follows the company’s recent decision to base its global headquarters in Edinburgh as part of a major expansion which will see the recruitment of 20 consultants over the next 18 months.

Alba Partners managing director, Richard Jacobs, joined Edinburgh University AFC”s manager, Sean McAuley, before their Lowland League tie with Albion Rovers on Saturday, December 9, to formally confirm the first instalment of support which, over the next four years of the agreement, is anticipated to surpass £5000.

Richard Jacobs of ALBA with Edinburgh University Association Football Club manager, Sean McAuley, and players immediately before the Albion Rovers match at Peffermill on 9 December. Photo by Stewart Atwood.

Stewart MacKinnon, chairman of Edinburgh University AFC, said: “Alba Partners is providing crucial support to our club as we strive to develop and grow the Performance Football Programme at Edinburgh University Association Football Club (EUAFC).

“Although we have access to some of the finest sporting facilities in the world and incredible strength and conditioning expertise at the University, the football programme at EUAFC is substantially funded by sponsorships and donations from supporters, staff, and former players.

“Our club is one of the Scottish Lowland League’s underdogs, seeking to overcome the odds every week in a massively competitive division. Nevertheless, we hope students, young players, and senior clubs across Scotland recognise EUAFC's relentless focus on player growth and development and we are hugely grateful to Alba Partners for their support which will help us level the playing field going forward.”

Alba Partners managing director, Richard Jacobs, said: “Following the decision to locate Alba Partners global headquarters in our native Scotland, we have been exploring ways in which to support organisations that share our ethos of ambition, hard work and developing people to perform at the highest of their abilities.

Richard Jacobs of ALBA with Edinburgh University Association Football Club Manager, Sean McAuley. Photo by Stewart Attwood.

“As a small firm looking to challenge the big consultancies, Alba Partners is a natural long-term partner for EUAFC and it’s a great privilege to support them. I’m confident that both of our respective ‘teams’ will be improving performance and achieving success in the coming years.”