Dundee FC enter 'transformational' partnership with Dundee and Angus college

Dundee Football Club will take up residence at a local college amid a new partnership.

The Championship club have partnered with Dundee and Angus college in a move that will see them move to the Gardyne campus.

In an “exciting and mutually beneficial arrangement” Dundee have taken up residence within the existing Incubator space of the campus from Monday.

The 12,000sq ft space will accommodate management, staff, and first team players as well as Academy, Dee Promotions and Community Trust staff, and provide space for press conferences and other events going forward.

Dundee say the four-year strategic partnership will provide an enhanced and more cohesive working environment that will result in an overall savings to the club through the efficiencies of the Incubator space.

The partnership also provides opportunities to promote the student experience through the integration of academic programmes.

Dundee Direct, the club shop, will remain at Dens Park as will the ticketing office and match day operations will continue as usual.

John Nelms, Dundee FC Managing Director said, “This partnership is going to be transformational for the club and College both on and off the park.”

“For decades the players have travelled away from the base at Dens Park each day to attend training but with the new facility we will have pitches on site along with use of the gym, swimming pool, indoor halls, tactical and analysis room and much more to give the coaches and players the best possible chance to achieve our on the park goals.

“This partnership is a win-win for both parties in numerous ways, especially for the students who will have access to learning opportunities within coursework relevant to the operations of a professional football club.”

“Work has been ongoing on the project for several months, and we would like to thank Simon Hewitt and Darren Foy for all of their efforts and a special thanks to Caryn Gibson, Business Partnerships Manager, for her thoughtfulness throughout the collaboration. We look forward to working closely with them in the coming years.”

Simon Hewitt, Principal, Dundee and Angus College said, “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for Dundee and Angus College and one that helps us realise our vision of having elite level sports teaching facilities as part of our 2025 ‘more successful students’ strategy.

“Like us, John and his team believe that both education and sport have the ability to be a catalyst for change, influencing lives and communities for the better.”

And Darren Foy, centre manager, Sports and Fitness, Dundee and Angus College, added, “This partnership will generate a multitude of benefits for our students, the wider college and community as a whole.

“As well as improving our infrastructure and facilities, the club’s presence at the college will greatly enhance the student experience we work so hard to maintain and improve.

“Sports students will gain access to a professional football team, gaining an insight into everything from coaching and nutrition to physiotherapy. There will also be fantastic benefits for students from other specialisms such as marketing, media studies and hospitality and, longer-term, potential opportunities for mentoring, placements and even employment.”