RSU and Jūrmala Football School to form joint team: new step in development of university sport

On the day the world turns its attention to the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Aigars Pētersons, Rector of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), and Kaspars Gorkšs, Acting Director of the Jūrmala Football School (JFS), have signed a long-term cooperation agreement on the development of football. The agreement provides for long-term cooperation in promoting player development and strengthening the football ecosystem. 

Joint team to compete in the Latvian Third League Championship 

One of the most significant outcomes of this collaboration is the agreement to form the joint football team RSU/JFS. The team will participate in the Latvian Third League Championship organised by the Latvian Football Federation. It is intended to serve as an important platform for young footballers transitioning from youth sports to senior football. This collaboration is expected to strengthen the university’s sporting environment. 

Clear division of responsibilities between the partners 

In accordance with the agreement, the RSU/JFS team will be registered under RSU’s auspices in the championship, while the team name will represent both partners. The parties have agreed on the division of duties, rights, and responsibilities to ensure the team’s successful operation throughout the season. 

Contribution made by RSU and the Jūrmala Football School 

RSU will cover the team’s championship entry fee, provide playing kits for 30 players, facilitate training sessions at the LNK Sports Park, and support efforts to attract sponsors and donations for the team’s development. The Jūrmala Football School, in turn, will provide the head coach, training and match facilities at Sloka Stadium, football equipment, and the necessary documentation for participation in the competition. 

Creating the team

The team will be formed in accordance with the ratio agreed by both partners between RSU footballers and students of the Jūrmala Football School. This will support the integration of talented young players into higher-level football and provide an opportunity to combine studies with a career in sports.

Rector’s perspective on the importance of collaboration 

RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons emphasises that the university’s mission is not only to ensure high-quality higher education, but also to create an environment in which young athletes can develop both academically and in professional sport. Cooperation with JFS opens up new opportunities to create a unified player development pathway from youth football to the highest level. 

RSU is already successfully implementing similar cooperation models in other sports, including with the State Border Guard in volleyball, with the basketball club VEF Rīga, and with the ice hockey club Mogo. 

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