UEL gives elite women's sport platform to perform
Five elite women's sports clubs unite to grow female sport in the UK
Published
18 March 2021
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UEL's London Lions contingent thrive as new partnership announced
Five elite women's sports clubs have come together to grow female sport in the UK, in conjunction with the University of East London (UEL), with the formation of the Women's Elite Sport Partnership.
The aim is to create a unique and powerful opportunity to bolster and sustain the development of women's sport across three main areas: engagement, performance and commercial activity.
The five organisations include West Ham United, London Pulse Netball Club, basketball outfits Essex Rebels and London Lions and cricket team, Sunrisers.
UEL already boasts existing partnerships with many of the elite women's sporting organisations involved in the project, including West Ham and London Lions, with a host of athletes on dual-career pathways.
The University has invested heavily in both sporting facilities and resources over the past decade, and was one of the first to achieve dual-career accreditation with Sport England.
"It's brilliant news for women's sport, both in this region, but also nationally. I think we will see more of these types of models spring up across the country as clubs realise the value of working collaboratively. We support around 160 sports scholars at UEL, and that is a big programme. A number of athletes involved with the clubs in the partnership study at UEL, and we'll be supporting in terms of providing facilities, sports science and medical support,"
Matt Tansley, UEL director of sport said.
He continued, "Only last week the London Lions qualified for the final of the WBBL Trophy final, which is one of the most prestigious games in the domestic basketball calendar, and credit goes to our staff for playing a small part in that.
"It goes without saying we wish our students involved - Cassie Breen, Valentina Klocker and Paige Robinson - the very best of luck, and we shall be watching with pride this coming Sunday on finals day."
The capital is home to thousands of young girls and women who are desperate for opportunities and a platform to perform and UEL continues to be at the forefront of championing their cause.
A key strand of the partnership will be delivering an enhanced player pathway experience, and capturing key learnings, which will allow each individual athlete to realise their full potential. UEL staff, based out of SportsDock, will be instrumental on that front, working with the scholar cohort all year round.
The University will also be providing marketing and communications support to help on the commercial front, helping raise awareness and profile as women's sport continues to battle for sponsorship in a congested marketplace.
For more information on the partnership, or the sports programme at the University, please get in touch with director of sport, Matt Tansley, on m.tansley@uel.ac.uk.