DMU and LCFC partnership helps Jacob score a place through Clearing

Having been a Foxes fan for as long as he can remember, Leicester lad and season ticket holder Jacob Smith rarely misses a home game at the King Power Stadium.

In fact, Leicester City Football Club (LCFC) means so much to Jacob, he even credits the club for his decision to study at De Montfort University (DMU).

“I was never that sure I wanted to go to university,” said Jacob (19). “I was finishing my A-levels and thinking about taking some time out to travel, but then one Saturday I was at a match at the King Power with my dad and the half-time adverts came on. There was an advert for DMU on the big screen and it really stuck in my mind after the game.

“When I got home I started searching online and that’s when I came across DMU’s Business and Marketing course, which sounded right up my street.”

After receiving his A-level results Jacob decided to apply to DMU through its Clearing process, which gives students the opportunity to secure a place at university if they haven’t yet applied, haven’t managed to secure their first choice, or have changed their mind about what or where they want to study.

“I actually applied through WhatsApp which was brilliant for me because I find messaging easier,” he said. “After chatting things through, I got a message to say that DMU would be offering me a place on the Business and Marketing course, which was amazing.”

DMU first introduced Clearing places through the WhatsApp messaging platform in 2017, giving potential students the best possible opportunity to take advantage of course places available through the Clearing period in a quick and convenient way.

“Later that day I got a formal email confirming my place,” said Jacob. “To be honest I couldn’t believe how straightforward the whole process was.”

And just when he thought things couldn’t get any better, Jacob received an unlikely phone call that put the cherry on the top.

“I was sat at home having a cup of tea with my mum when my phone rang from an unknown number,” he said. “I answered the call and could not believe it when I realised I was speaking to Leicester city player Wilfred Ndidi who had called to congratulate me on securing my place at DMU.

“I watch Ndidi play week in week out so to be on the phone to one of my favourite players was very surreal.”

DMU has worked with LCFC for a number of years as the club’s Official Higher Education Partner. The partnership offers as many as 50 students a year the chance to take up a valued placement at the club as part of the #DMUworks employability initiative, as well as giving them an opportunity to play at LCFC’s training ground.

Students can also take advantage of discounted tickets for Premier League matches and be involved in two ‘takeover’ days each season when 250 tickets will be made available for students to soak up the big match experience at the King Power Stadium.

DMU also offers academic “sampler” courses to City players and coaching staff, as well as intensive English language sessions for international players.

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Last year, during Clearing, DMU welcomed first team players – and World Cup heroes – Wilfred Ndidi and Ricardo Pereira, plus England youth international Layton Ndukwu, on campus to man the phone lines and welcome new students to Leicester.

“As a Leicester fan I think it’s great that DMU works so closely with the club,” said Jacob. “My dad didn’t believe me when I said Ndidi had called me!”

Jacob, who is now preparing to head into his second year of study, says the proximity of DMU’s campus to the King Power is an added bonus for fans like him.

“There have been a few times where I’ve finished a lecture and then headed straight to the ground to watch the match – it’s definitely handy being so close to the stadium!

“I’m just grateful that I saw the DMU advert that day. I’m really enjoying my time at university and can’t wait to get back for my second year.

“I also can’t wait the new football season to kick off!”