CHICAGO (AP) — The head football coach at Northwestern has been called to testify at a hearing on his team’s bid to form the nation’s first college athletes’ union.

Pat Fitzgerald took the stand Friday during the fourth day of a National Labor Relations Board hearing in Chicago. He says the school wants players “to be the best they can be … athletically, academically, socially.” But he was called by attorneys who oppose the unionization bid.

The first-of-its kind effort is being closely watched by other colleges nationwide. The NCAA and Northwestern have maintained the its student-athletes are not employees, who would have the right to unionize.