Adelphi, Md. (March 12, 2024)—A new partnership between University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) will open doors for Major League Soccer (MLS) players to take college classes and pursue online degrees with discounted tuition and other benefits.
“We are excited to team up with the MLSPA and invest in continuing the education and development of its player pool,” said Blakely Pomietto, UMGC’s senior vice president and chief academic officer. “Many players transition to long careers after their time on the pitch. With an academic portfolio of career relevant programs aligned with workforce needs, and faculty with extensive experience working specifically with busy adult learners, UMGC is proud to support players’ long-term success through education.”
Founded in 2003, the MLSPA is recognized as the exclusive collective bargaining representative of all MLS Players. The association carries a mission to “empower players by establishing a supportive community and unified voice that positively impacts the lives of our past, current and future members.”
The alliance with UMGC gives all players the opportunity to take courses from any of the university’s more than 135 online degree and certificate programs at discounted rates.
“The MLSPA is thrilled to join forces with UMGC to offer our players an avenue to continue their education,” said MLSPA Player Programs Director Connor Ford. “We always encourage players to enrich their lives off the field and pursuing higher education is an excellent way for them to discover a passion outside of the game.”
Players’ spouses and dependents are also eligible for UMGC educational benefits, tuition discounts and waived application fees. UMGC saves students money by using digital resources, which have replaced costly publisher textbooks in most courses.
About University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland. It continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide and more than 135 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.
About The Major League Soccer Players Association
The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) is the labor union and exclusive bargaining representative for all Major League Soccer (MLS) players, ensuring the protection of their bargained-for rights. Established in 2003, the MLSPA serves to promote players' collective best interests, amplify their voices, and represent them in their group commercial and licensing activities. The MLSPA is a democratic organization, run by and for players. To learn more, please visit www.mlsplayers.org.
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