Silverstone, UK, 15 January 2020 

Premier League hero reveals exciting new player education partnership 

Goal-scoring legend Andrew Cole is thrilled to announce a radical new education partnership that he believes will help to transform players' lives in both the immediate and long-term. 

The former England and Manchester United star is co-founder of Phoenix Sport and Media Group (PSMG), an organisation committed to the welfare and support of footballers both during and after their careers.

Education is at the heart of their ambition. This focuses on delivering knowledge that protects players from the sharks and rogues looking to cash in on their financial naivety, or providing learning that prepares them for senior leadership positions in the business of sport once their performance career ends. 

Cole said: “I am delighted that we have agreed with VSI Executive Education to run a series of mini-MBA programmes for both current and retired players. In many cases footballers have been out of education since their school days and these three or four day programmes will give them a taste of life back in the classroom.

Some programmes will be for younger men and women who are still playing the game and will be designed to help their immediate needs. Other will be geared to longer term career ambitions.” 

VSI Executive Education has enjoyed significant success educating sports industry professionals on MBA, Masters and non-accredited programmes for much of the last decade. 

They are now part-owned by the Global Institute of Sport and are working with partners at New York City, Atlanta United, Toronto FC as well as clubs in Asia and Australia. 

Co-founder Tony Faulkner enthused: “I am delighted to be working with Andrew and his partners. VSI is absolutely committed to player education. Phoenix is a wonderful organisation with an agenda that is entirely consistent with our own. There is so much talent that needs to be retained in the industry of sport. The brain drain must end now!” 

PSMG is an organisation co-founded by some of the most famous football names in history. Co-founder Andy Cole, the third highest Premier League goal scorer of all time, behind Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney, signed off the partnership on behalf of the company. 

Other notable Premier League alumni involved at boardroom level with PSMG are Michael Thomas, who famously scored Arsenal’s last gasp goal against Liverpool to secure the league title in 1989, and Brian Deane, the Premier League’s first ever goal scorer and Chairman of PSMG. 

Carly Barnes-Short, CEO of PSMG and wife of former Premier League player Craig Short said: 

“This is a tremendously exciting moment for us. VSI Executive Education’s reputation in delivering executive sports education is second to none. This collaboration very much fits our aspiration of working with the “best in business” whilst helping support elite athletes transition from exceptional careers in sport into being the sporting leaders of tomorrow. I would like to thank the VSI team and our team at PSMG for their hard work in achieving this collaboration and developing this new and exciting program.” 

For more information about Phoenix Sport & Media Group & VSI Executive Education, see: 

Phoenix Sport & Media Group 

Silverstone Innovation Centre, Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Towcester, NN12 8GX 

office@psm-group.co.uk 

Social media @psmgroupuk 

VSI Executive Education 

31 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3LZ 

info@vsiee.com 

Social media @VSIExeced 

For any questions regarding this press release please contact Carly Barnes at Phoenix Sport & Media Group on office@psm-group.co.uk or Andy McIntyre at VSI Executive Education on andy@vsiee.com