Ascent expands academic pathways with Unicaf University partnership

Unicaf University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Ridley with Ascent Soccer Operations Director & Head Coach Thom Mkolongo, alongside Ascent Soccer scholars Leticia Chinyamula (left) and Precious Mvula (right).

Malawi’s only full-time residential youth football academy, Ascent Soccer, is excited to announce a new partnership with Unicaf University, one of Africa's leading higher education providers.

The partnership aims to facilitate access to Unicaf University’s nationally and internationally accredited degree programmes for Ascent Soccer players, who are now eligible for enrollment into Unicaf University’s unique online and blended degree programmes after they complete secondary school.

Ascent Soccer co-founder George Maguire commented, “We are delighted to partner with such a prestigious university and provide another quality academic pathway for our deserving student-athletes, especially our often underserved female players. Earning an internationally recognised degree greatly enhances employment prospects for our young people, including a career outside the game or after their time in professional football."

Unicaf University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Ridley added, “We greatly value this partnership with Ascent Soccer, further enhancing our interaction with sports and recreational activities and promoting overall wellness and fitness as well as academic excellence. We look forward to welcoming Ascent Soccer athletes as students.”

Ascent Soccer plans to enrol their first Unicaf University students by the end of 2023 to activate this partnership, with a view to increasing the number of players accessing degree opportunities as they graduate from secondary school.

About Unicaf University:

Unicaf University is a leading pan-African academic institution, accredited by the NCHE and by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) based in the UK. They offer their students flexible learning options that enable either 100% online study or a combination of on-campus and online teaching at their state-of-the-art campus in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Visit Unicaf University today at https://unicafuniversity.ac.mw..