University sponsors the Huddersfield Giants
The University of Huddersfield will be the name emblazoned across the playing shirts of local rugby league team the Huddersfield Giants for the 2005 season.
In a first for the game of rugby league, the University and club are forging links across all spectrums of their business in a deal which both believe will be of significant benefit to each other.
“This deal marks the start of a very exciting period for our club with a partner that can bring so much to us both on and off the field,” said Giants General Manager Richard Thewlis. “They are one of the largest employers in the area and have over 17,500 students each year on campus all of whom can be both fans and contributors to what we are trying to achieve. There is immense expertise amongst the staff particularly in the medical, sports psychology and fitness areas that complement the work we do with our athletes. Our coaching staff are looking forward to exploring areas of better practice with the University – its fair to say that we are all learning and what better contact for us now to have!”
“The partnership will further enable us to develop the all important community links that will in turn drive increased attendances, and I am sure that all our supporters will join me in thanking the University for their foresight in joining with our club. I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”
The man behind the sponsorship at the University, Director of Estates and Facilities Colin Blair, is also keen to see things get underway: “This is a great tie-up for the University, because the Giants are a very successful organisation and a real asset to the town,” said Colin. “Following on from the success of the University’s recent TV campaign, it will be a marvellous opportunity to put Huddersfield on the map once again. We are looking forward to seeing the University’s name on the shirts, and altogether it should be a great boost for the institution, the club and the town itself.
“Like the University, the Giants work hard to give back to the local community, and this mirrors our own beliefs and mission. The Giants are looking at the possibility of constructing a Super League standard rugby pitch at the University's site at Storthes Hall Park and our students will be able to use this as well. We will also be selling club merchandise and tickets on campus, and there are plans for an academic link between us. This will involve a tie-up between the club and our students and staff in Sports Science, Sports Therapy, Physiotherapy and Podiatry in terms of fitness testing, treatment of sports injuries, student placements, possible new courses and possible joint secondments. A very positive initial meeting between key staff at the Giants and the University was held this week to start to move ideas forward.”