University News Last updated 06 May
Birmingham 2026 organisers are pleased to confirm that Birmingham City University (BCU) has today been unveiled as the Official University Partner of the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships, reinforcing its commitment to supporting major sporting events in the West Midlands while showcasing its strengths on a national and international stage.
The European Athletics Championships is set to take place for the first time ever in the UK, bringing Europe’s top athletes to Birmingham for a week of world class athletics 10-16 August. As the Official University Partner, BCU will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of the event while creating meaningful opportunities for its students and staff.
Through the partnership, students and staff from BCU will benefit from a wide range of opportunities linked to the Championships, including volunteering roles, paid positions, and industry-relevant experience across areas such as sport, events, media, and design. The collaboration will also see BCU host the European Athletics Championships' Future Leaders Forum, providing an authentic and inspiring setting for future-focused conversations around leadership, innovation, and sustainability.
The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to creating a lasting legacy whereby BCU will play an active role in supporting the Championships’ Beyond 26 impact plan, aligning with its own “Beyonder” ethos to drive community engagement and sustainable initiatives. The partnership demonstrates BCU’s commitment to accelerating opportunities for staff and students and its commitment to its role as an exemplar anchor institution in the region.
BCU’s world-class Sports and Exercise Sciences courses, based at the iconic Alexander Stadium, will further support the successful delivery of the event and enhance the experience for athletes and visitors alike.
Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, said: “It’s great to welcome Birmingham City University who will play such an important role in the European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026. Partnerships like this are central to what we’re building through Athletic Ventures—bringing together expertise from across sport and communities to deliver something special.
“BCU’s connection to the city, its commitment to developing future talent, and its presence at Alexander Stadium make it a natural fit. Together, we have an opportunity not only to stage a world-class event, but to create meaningful experiences and a lasting impact beyond the competition.”
Chris Moss, Lead for the Beyond 2026 Impact Programme on behalf of Birmingham 2026, said: “We are delighted to welcome Birmingham City University as a key partner for the European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026. This collaboration represents a powerful alignment between our Beyond 2026 ambitions and BCU’s commitment to developing future talent and creating meaningful opportunities for students and communities.
“Through this partnership, we can offer real-world experiences that inspire the next generation, while also working together to deliver a lasting impact that extends well beyond the Championships themselves.”
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of BCU, said: "I am immensely proud to join Birmingham 2026 in announcing that we are the Official University Partner of Birmingham 2026.
"The Alexander Stadium holds a special place in BCU’s story. It is a venue we know well, and which is now home to our Sports degree courses. It represents excellence, ambition, and opportunity - values that are at the heart of everything we do as a university.
"We look forward in playing our part in delivering an unforgettable celebration of sport and our city this summer.
"Our partnership with Birmingham 2026 reflects BCU’s ongoing commitment to health, wellbeing, and opportunities.”
Ade Adepitan MBE Chancellor, BCU said: "This is a landmark moment for our university community, and those who believe in the transformative power of sport.
"Sport has the unique ability to inspire, to unite, and to change lives. I’ve seen first-hand how participation and representation can break down barriers and open doors.
"Events like the European Athletics Championships shine a spotlight on what’s possible when talent, determination, and community come together.
"We look forward to welcoming athletes and visitors from across Europe to Brum this summer!"
The European Athletics Championships will bring world-class athletes from across the continent to Birmingham from 10-16 August 2026. With European titles on the line, the competition is set to be one of the most exciting and prestigious sporting events of the year.
To book and find out more, visit tickets.birmingham26.com.