Manchester United footballers from its famous “Class of 92” have teamed up with organizations, including Microsoft, to launch a “game-changing” university in the heart of the British city.
The University Academy 92 (or UA92 for short) is the brainchild of by Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt – who all helped Man Utd dominate English football in the 1990s and build a still massive global fan base, including across Asia.
UA92 college will give students aged 16 to 19 access to technical and professional qualifications in business, sports excellence, and media, combined with a skills development program.
Gary Neville said graduates would get access to paid work placements with companies and organizations – including Microsoft partners – as well as an educational curriculum.
“Our aim is that UA92 graduates would leave with an academic qualification, of course, but also with a range of other skills such as how to deal with pressure, understand finance, leadership and presentational skills, and also how to maintain a healthy body and mind. In other words, the complete package you need to succeed in the workplace.”
The planned campus will feature a Microsoft Technology Center that will include an Executive Briefing Centre, Experience Centre and Virtual Reality Suite, as well as hot-desking space and areas for local start-ups to learn and network. Microsoft’s technology will also underpin the university’s “Career Passport” – a competency-based performance and talent assessment tracking application.
Former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville speaks at the launch of UA92, with Trafford Council chief executive Theresa Grant
