Hearts Women link-up with Edinburgh Napier University

Hearts has
joined forces with Edinburgh Napier University to launch a partnership that
aims to inspire their women players to pursue a higher education alongside
their career in football.

The
Tynecastle side has signed up with Napier University’s Dual Career Programme,
which gives players the option to study for a degree while developing their
football skills. The programme will enable players to arrange training and
match schedules within their academic timetable. Players will also be given the
opportunity to take part in pioneering research projects within the burgeoning women’s’
game. Both Hearts and the University hope this programme will attract players
and students from overseas, including the United States of America where women’s
football has proved such a success.

Edinburgh
Napier’s Dual Career Programme will enable these athletes who choose the
University for study to gain automatic membership into the University’s Centre
for Developing Athletes – an initiative enabled via Edinburgh Napier’s Dual
Career Athlete and Coach Policy.

 Dr Susan Brown, Edinburgh Napier University lead for
partnerships and enterprise in sport, said: “This partnership aims to equip and
empower the players to pursue their academic studies while being supported in
every aspect regarding their footballing development. We hope to create dual
career athletes who can excel both in their football talents but also within
the sphere of academia.

 “Hearts
Women are in a fantastic place at the moment – both on and off the pitch – and
I speak for everyone at Edinburgh Napier in saying that we are looking forward
to playing a part in future successes, both across the First Team and the Elite
Development Squad, and in support of the Women’s Academy ambitions.”

Kevin
Murphy, Heart of Midlothian Girls Academy and Women’s Manager, said: “At
Hearts, we recognise the importance of enabling our players to excel both on
and off the pitch. We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with
Edinburgh Napier University and we look forward to seeing our players reap the
rewards of a programme that will support both their academic and footballing
development.

 “By
partnering with a leading UK university, we hope to become an even more
attractive proposition for prospective players who are keen to develop their
football skills while furthering their education.”

Hearts Women
won the SWPL2 title last season and begin their SWPL1 campaign away to Rangers
Women on 23^rd February.