Student hockey players from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will continue to reap the benefits of a partnership with one of Europe’s elite hockey clubs, thanks to the signing of a new deal.
Leicester Ladies Hockey Club (LLHC) has been working with DMU since the 2015/16 season, with the partnership providing a host of opportunities for the student hockey teams.
The new deal will provide increased elite provision for DMU’s student hockey club as well as the university becoming the shirt sponsor for all five of LLHC senior teams and three junior sides.
Since the signing of the original deal, coaches Lauren Osgood and David Hill from LLHC, have guided the hockey club on a hot patch, with the women’s side boasting a 100% winning record in British University and College Sport (BUCS) and the men’s side firmly in the hunt for the title.
DMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Leicester Ladies Hockey Club as part of our ongoing committed investment towards sport at DMU.
“The educational, sporting and social benefits our clubs will gain from the partnership will help enhance the student sporting experience, while increasing the standard of hockey at DMU through the coaching programme provided. We look forward to seeing its impact.”
The partnership is just one of a number of agreements DMU has with the city’s professional sports clubs.
Student cricketers are currently benefiting from the facilities at the Fischer County Ground, home of Leicestershire County Cricket Club, while students and staff also benefit from DMU’s unique partnerships with Leicester City Football Club, Leicester Riders Basketball Club and the Leicester Tigers.
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One of the key aims of the partnership will see the club and DMU put together a strategy to help DMU increase student participation through current teams and newly created sides.
The strategy will see DMU student hockey teams join LLHC on their trip to Barcelona or equivalent in 2017, an experience students were lucky enough to be involved in earlier this year.
The partnership will also help to provide a pathway for student players to enter a National League Club and play professionally.
Sarah Treanor, Vice President Development at LLHC, said: “It’s brilliant to be here and signing a new partnership deal with DMU. We admire their sports ambition and we are really pleased to be continuing our relationship with the university.
“The partnership will see DMU sponsor all five of LLHC adult teams as well as our three junior teams. Dugouts will also be branded at our home at Leicester Grammar School.
“We will also be providing coaches for the student hockey teams and impact will be accessed next year. We are chuffed to bits with the partnership and excited to see what the future holds.”
The new deal will provide a third coach to add to the current student hockey club coaching set up, plus the introduction of hockey specific strength and conditioning sessions for both sides.
Student players will also be provided with adequate equipment through the partnership and will have the opportunity to attend umpiring and coaching courses, further developing their skill sets.
The formulation of a scholarship proposal is also a requirement of the partnership to help drive DMU recruitment and continue the development of the club.
Posted on Thursday 15 December 2016