Saints Football partner with Chanrossa Group
The University of St Andrews is delighted to announce a major new partnership with Chanrossa Group, a privately owned business with over 30 years of entrepreneurial management and investment experience. Chanrossa Group, renowned for developing high-quality brands with global appeal such as Isle of Raasay Distillery, The Face Planner and Jorum Studio, will become an Official Partner of Saints Football and make a significant investment in the University’s Football Programme beginning in the 2025–26 academic year.
This investment will support the continued growth and development of Saints Football, enhancing opportunities for student-athletes and strengthening the club’s position as one of the leading university football programmes in the UK. The partnership has been made possible thanks to University Football Club alumnus and Chanrossa Group Chief Executive, Bill Dobbie, who has also supported recent careers event run by the club and attended last year’s club reunion.
Bill Dobbie, Chief Executive of Chanrossa Group, said:
“St Andrews and Saints Football hold a very special place in my personal and business world as I am a graduate of the University and former Club Captain. I hope that our support of the Club will help the club and its members fulfil their full potential and ambition as a leading UK club. I hope that Chanrossa and its growing business provides support and future inspiration with the football teams and support staff.”
Stuart Milne, Director of Football at the University of St Andrews, commented:
“We are incredibly proud to welcome Chanrossa Group as an Official Partner of Saints Football. This partnership represents a significant investment in the future of our programme and will allow us to enhance the experience we offer to our student-athletes across all levels. With Chanrossa’s support, we can continue to build one of the UK’s leading university football environments – one that combines high performance, personal development, and academic excellence. We’re excited about what this means for the future of football at St Andrews.”
Men’s and Women’s Football Club Presidents Fabian Thies and Rosie Woodman, said: “We are extremely grateful to Chanrossa Group for their support, and we believe that it will allow us to not only continue to achieve at the highest level, but offer improved support to all our players. We are looking forward to another fantastic year ahead, spearheaded by the backing of our community. Football at St Andrews goes from strength to strength every year.”
The University of St Andrews Football Club is one of the largest sports clubs at the University, with over 260 members. The club offers opportunities for players at performance, competitive, and recreational levels, supporting seven men’s teams and three women’s teams that compete regularly in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league and cup competitions. Since 2011, Saints Football teams have collectively won 21 league titles and 11 cup competitions. The club also supports two recreational men’s teams and two recreational women’s teams.
Led by full-time Director of Football Stuart Milne, the University’s vision is to offer one of the UK’s leading performance football programmes, enabling top players and staff to develop and compete at the highest level. The comprehensive training and support provided allow students to maximise their potential and enjoy an exceptional football experience alongside their academic studies. In 2024–25, the University of St Andrews Women’s Football 1st Team were crowned BUCS national champions. The Men’s 1st Team are a top tier Scottish side with two members of the squad playing within the semi-professional game.
