Derbyshire County Cricket Club

Our strategic partnership with Derbyshire County Cricket Club (DCCC) is designed to provide exceptional opportunities for our students. This collaboration brings together academic excellence and sporting prowess, creating a unique environment where students can thrive and gain real-world experiences, uniting sport, activity, and education. 

About Derbyshire County Cricket Club 

Derbyshire County Cricket Club (DCCC) is a prestigious and historic cricket club that has been an integral part of the county's sporting landscape since its establishment in 1870. With a rich heritage and a commitment to excellence, DCCC competes in the top tiers of English domestic cricket. The club is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, passionate fan base, and a strong emphasis on community engagement. DCCC not only focuses on nurturing cricketing talent but also on promoting the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Partnering for impact

This partnership aims to foster mutual growth and support whilst providing students with valuable development opportunities within the realm of professional sports. As a long-standing Preferred Partner, the University of Derby and DCCC have worked together to bridge the gap between sport and education, allowing students to refine their skills in a professional environment. This partnership has given students the chance to collaborate with first-team analysts and coaches, play vital roles in Derbyshire’s live stream and media operations, and ultimately transition into professional sports roles, leveraging their experience at DCCC.

DCCC aims to deliver masterclasses or lectures annually, focusing on sports, business, media, and marketing. These sessions will provide students and graduates with insights from industry professionals. Additionally, DCCC will participate in university-administered festivals and events, showcasing their proactive support and engagement with the local business community. This collaboration also strengthens DCCC's ties with the University Employer Engagement Group, promoting job opportunities to students and graduates.

Simon Law, Head of Sport and Physical Activity, believes this will have a positive impact on the students' experiences:

"Our partnership with the Club has successfully brought together professional sport with the University's industry-engaged curriculum to offer our students opportunities to build on their skillset and apply their knowledge. Enabling real world learning experiences is a great way for our students to build a network and begin their career with a reputable Club."

Commercial Manager, Jimmy Drew, remarked: “Our partnership with the University of Derby has been incredibly successful in recent years, and I am eager to see what we can accomplish together over the next three years. As a University of Derby alumnus, it has been immensely rewarding to witness many students kickstart their careers through their involvement with our club, and I am confident that we will see many more success stories.”

Ollie Shearer, Director of Campus Life at the University of Derby, added: “Real-world learning and practical experience are crucial for our students, equipping them with the skills necessary for career success. This ongoing partnership will provide even more exceptional opportunities for them to apply their learning and build important industry connections. From business management advice to hands-on projects for our journalism students, working with Derbyshire County Cricket Club offers a wealth of insight and experience for students across the University.” 

Together, we are committed to creating a vibrant and enriching environment that supports student success and celebrates the synergy between education and sport.

Accelerating growth 

This partnership is designed to accelerate the growth of both organisations and the wider community. Through these initiatives, DCCC and the University are committed to driving forward the development of talent and fostering a thriving ecosystem of education and sport.