UCFB partners with Superleague champions Manchester Thunder

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UCFB, a world first in higher education teaching university degrees in the football and sports industries, and the Manchester Thunder, the Netball Superleague’s reigning champions, are delighted to announce a new partnership for the 2015 season.

In a season-long deal that will see UCFB provide financial backing to the Thunder, UCFB will open up opportunities for students on its unique sports degrees to gain insight into the workings of an elite sports team.  As part of the partnership agreement, UCFB students will undertake work experience through a variety of channels with the Thunder, including media, matchday hospitality and camp placements. With several games live on Sky Sports this season, UCFB’s logo will also appear on the Thunder’s kit, with further branding at their home Thunderdome arena and VIP tickets to matches.

Sara-Louise Hale, Head of Year 1 Sports Business at UCFB and former player for the Thunder herself, has this season moved into the role of Assistant Coach at the NSL champions following her retirement. Pursuing her dream of coaching at the highest level, Sara is extremely excited about the new partnership and sees it as another step forward in UCFB’s support of top class women’s sport.

She said: “I am delighted with the news that UCFB have chosen to lend their support and sponsorship to Manchester Thunder for the 2015 Netball Superleague Season. As an employer, UCFB have been extremely supportive of my netball career as both an elite player, and now as an elite coach.”

“It is great to see UCFB engaging with netball as it is clearly gaining momentum in the sporting world. As part of their commitment to women’s sport, Sky will be broadcasting more live NSL fixtures than ever before with Monday night the new home of netball.”

“As a coach I am delighted to be joining Tracey Neville, Head Coach and sister of Phil and Gary Neville. Tracey has a wealth of experience winning two out of three Super League titles since taking charge of Manchester Thunder.”

Professor Philip Wilson, Provost and Chief Executive at UCFB, is delighted at the opportunity that working with the Thunder will provide: “The Netball Super League is a highly professional sporting environment, and like all other professional sports requires employees with the highest level of understanding across professional disciplines, from operations to marketing and governance. Our partnership with the Thunder gives our students the opportunity to cross-pollinate their experiences from football into other live sports.”

For full details of the Manchester Thunder’s season ahead and for matchday tickets, head to their website.