International star strengthens squad at Burnley's 'football university' (From Lancashire Telegraph)

International star strengthens squad at Burnley's 'football university'

2:43pm Friday 29th June 2012 in News

AN England international has joined the ranks of Burnley’s ‘football university’ as an ambassador working with undergraduates.

Midfielder Sue Smith, of the Doncaster Belles, is the second member of the national side to sign up with the University College of Football Business, alongside Burnley-born goalkeeper Rachel Brown. And she is keen to encourage female students to enrol.

In recent times she has combined her on-field role with regular spots as a pundit for the BBC and Sky Sports.

So she will be concentrating specifically on football broadcasting and media with students at the Turf Moor establishment. Sue’s position will also extend to college recruitment activities, and she will appear at fairs and open days.

She said: “This is a really exciting step for me to become involved in higher education and to be given the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and experience at such a ground-breaking institution.

“I’ll be able to offer something a little different to the students as I have direct involvement in football activity on and off the pitch. In particular, I’m keen to engage with female students as I want to encourage women’s involvement in football and highlight the fantastic contribution women make behind the scenes in clubs up and down the country.”