Cooperation agreement signed between LSU and Professional Footballers’ Association

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA Lithuania) has become one of Lithuanian Sports University (LSU) social partners, as the cooperation agreement has been signed by LSU Rector Prof. Dr. Diana Rėklaitienė and President of PFA Lithuania Arūnas Klimavičius.

“Cooperation with PFA Lithuania is very important to us. We will offer the Association various trainings, courses, invite footballers to study and improve their qualification. LSU provides opportunities for athletes of different mastery to study according to an individual study plan and to continue a sports career. In addition, in the autumn of last year, LSU launched the National Centre for Dual Career of Athletes, which organizes informal trainings and individual consultations throughout Lithuania,” said the Rector of LSU.

The cooperation agreement will enable LSU to offer methodological framework and facilities for PFA Lithuania specialist training, and to ensure the participation of LSU representatives in events organized by PFA Lithuania.

“The goal of PFA Lithuania is to provide comprehensive assistance to football players. Athlete careers tend to be short, so they should seize the opportunity to study. As a leading university in sports science, LSU offers education to anyone thinking about the future beyond the football pitch. We are glad to cooperate and provide footballers with the opportunity to gain latest knowledge,” said A. Klimavičius, President of PFA Lithuania and former professional footballer.

During his 20-year-long career as a professional footballer, A. Klimavičius played in Panevėžys “Ekranas”, “Trakai” (“Riteriai”), “Jonava”, and Kaunas “Žalgiris” football clubs. In 2007–2016, he played in the Premiere Leagues in Russia and Kazakhstan. The defender, who played with the Lithuanian men’s football team more than 40 matches, scored three goals. By the way, A. Klimavičius is also an LSU alumnus, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Coaching.

The new partner will consult LSU staff on study program improvement, there is also a plan to commission research and testing in the field of sports and health promotion. In addition, LSU students will get the opportunity to do internships at PFA Lithuania, and LSU specialists will be invited to meetings, conferences, seminars, courses, sports and other events organized by the Association.

LSU and PFA Lithuania will also implement other joint projects related to sports science, education, sports and health promotion activities.

PFA Lithuania was established last year. It brings together a community of professional footballers, assists in resolving legal disputes related to employment, teaches financial literacy, provides information on career opportunities and other issues. For more information, see: www.pfasociacija.lt.