The University of Greenwich has formed a new partnership agreement with Charlton Athletic Football Club, which will see it become the club's main shirt sponsor for the next two seasons.

Professor David Maguire, Vice-Chancellor, said he was excited by opportunities created by the partnership, in which the university will also work with Charlton's Community Trust. "It makes sense for us to combine our resources and visions to do something special for our local community", he says.

"Working with Charlton allows us to make progress in all of our key areas such as original research, working with the local communities, doing enterprise with businesses and other institutions and, of course, our educational work.

"Through the wonderful connection Charlton's Community Trust has with local hospitals, the borough and other local agencies, we see a lot of opportunities to enhance our educational work training teachers, nurses, midwives and social workers.

"More widely, we are really appreciative of the fantastic work that Charlton does and their standing in the community, and we'd like to work with them to extend those benefits and visions to the university. We are delighted we have found a way to work more closely together for the benefit of all".

With the agreement in place, Charlton supporters will get a first look at the club's brand new home kit for the 2014/15 season in the coming days.

The club's Chief Commercial Officer, Ben Kensell, also believes the new venture will create many mutual benefits.

"This is a perfect partnership for Charlton Athletic and we should be very proud to have the University of Greenwich on the front of our shirts and supporting the club for the next two years", he said.

"The partnership will continue for a number of years following the shirt deal and this is a real statement that two of the Royal Borough's most influential institutions are working closely together to benefit both parties.

"The agreement came about through the club and the university's shared visions and objectives, and the active engagement opportunities in sports, education and community within the local area".

Mr Kensell added: "The Avery Hill Campus sits next to our training ground, and the club's planned development of that site was an area of key interest when negotiating the partnership.

"The training ground is vital to Charlton's future. We know that the new facility will allow for dual usage and interaction with our staff and players which will, in turn, benefit students studying specific courses at the university.

"The new training ground facility is driven by our aspiration to receive category-one status as an academy. The club wants to be the best that it possibly can be and to have key partners on that journey with us is vital.

"This partnership is for the long term and delivers tangible benefits for both parties. The university are proud neighbours of ours and one of the largest employers in the area, so what better institution is there to partner with?"

Greenwich has a successful track record of working in the field of sports science, through its Centre for Sports Science & Human Performance. Degree programmes include BSc Hons in Sports Science with Coaching, BSc Hons Sports Science with Professional Football Coaching and BA Physical Education & Sport.

The university also has interests in sports events management, sports marketing and sports psychology, and offers teacher training in Physical Education.