Partnership boost for the University of Derby and Mickleover Sports Club

The University of Derby and Mickleover Sports Club celebrated the success of their new partnership last night (April 4) before the club’s match against Sutton Coldfield.

Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at the University of Derby, was joined by Sally Akehurst, Head of Life Sciences, and John McGrath, First Team Manager for Mickleover, for the pre-match presentation. They were also joined by Sport Management student Frank Tweneboa.

The partnership will see Sport Management students from the University’s College of Life and Natural Sciences help to create a marketing and media department at Mickleover Sports Club for the 2017-18 season, including setting up a YouTube channel and using social media channels to promote the Club.

Students will also be tasked with planning and delivering an Equality and Diversity event to contribute to achieving the Club’s inclusion strategy.

Speaking about the partnership, Hari Punchihewa said: “We are delighted to be supporting this work. It is a great example of the outstanding learning opportunities available to our students and shows the impact we are having on the communities we serve.”

Lee Pridmore, Senior Lecturer in Sport, Outdoor and Exercise Science, added: "I was overwhelmed with the hospitality we received from the team at Mickleover Sports Club, which highlights the strong working relationship we’ve developed.”

The event, which was organised by Lee, was held at Don Amott Arena in Derby.