A seminar on 24 March is the first event in a new programme of joint activities involving the University of Sussex, the University of Brighton and the charitable arm of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.

The event, at the University of Brighton's Falmer campus, will examine the role that sport can play in tackling social disadvantage.

It is part of a new initiative, called 'New arenas: football and the community', which celebrates the developing partnership between the two universities and the football club, whose new stadium at Falmer opens later this year.

The joint activities for 2011-12 include seminars for professionals and volunteers on issues for communities of education, regeneration and health promotion.

Together the three organisations will also be developing a research programme that will explore the impact of the new stadium on the local economy and society.

In addition, Sussex and Brighton universities will work with the Albion to establish volunteering opportunities for students on local sport and community projects.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, said: "Bringing a successful football club and two universities together in such a unique way is a major achievement. We look forward to working together in the future."

Martin Perry, Brighton & Hove Albion's chief executive, added: 'As Falmer-based learning organisations eager to contribute to the wider community, it's wonderful to be working together in such an innovative way."

Information about the seminar on 24 March