University News Last updated 24 March 2023
Birmingham City University (BCU) has strengthened its links with Warwickshire County Cricket Club by signing a new sponsorship deal for the 2023 season.
Already Warwickshire’s official university partner, BCU will now have its name splashed across the back of the team’s shirts for the LV= Insurance County Championship, which begins in April.
The university is also the collar sponsor for Warwickshire’s T20 team, the Birmingham Bears, who compete in the Vitality Blast.
BCU’s relationship with cricket powerhouse Warwickshire stretches back to 2014 and has been extremely beneficial to both parties.
Among the many projects they have collaborated on is a new talent identification system that has increased the club’s reach and given aspiring young players from all backgrounds the opportunity to impress coaches.
The relationship with Warwickshire has also allowed BCU students to gain valuable work experience at Edgbaston Stadium, including sports journalism undergraduates, who have been able to get a taste of life as reporter.
Plowden added: “Seeing the open trials come to fruition, with aspiring young cricketers from across the city trialling for the club, is particularly pleasing, as it mirrors our approach to higher education.
“We work to break down barriers and unlock opportunities for our students – the majority of whom are drawn from across the West Midlands and in many cases are the first in their families to go to university – so we’re excited to continue this work with Warwickshire CCC.”
Warwickshire begin their LV= Insurance County Championship campaign with an away fixture at Division One rivals Somerset on Thursday, 6 April.