UCB strengthens links with West Bromwich Albion in new sponsorship deal with women's football team

University College Birmingham has strengthened its partnership with one of the Midlands' leading football clubs after agreeing a new sponsorship deal.

UCB will be sponsoring Jess Davies of West Bromwich Albion FC Women's football team in a deal which runs throughout the 2019/20 season.

It is the latest linkup between the University and the club, with UCB students also undertaking a number of placements with the West Brom academy and The Albion Foundation this year.

Jess was part of a dominant Albion Women's side which won 19 out of 20 matches on their way to clinching the FA Women's National League Division One Midlands title last season, earning them promotion to the National League Northern Premier Division – the third tier of women's football in England.

It was a double-winning campaign for the team having also lifted the FA Women's National League Plate, with Jess among the goalscorers in the final as Albion beat Liverpool Feds WFC 5-1.

Speaking about the sponsorship deal with UCB, Jess said: "I think having this sponsor is a great opportunity to help me further develop and be at the top of my game, with good equipment and networking opportunities within education.

"With the support of a well-known and highly prestigious sponsor like UCB, women’s football has an opportunity to be highlighted and recognised as the great and thriving sport that it is, and I’m proud to be part of that in connection with UCB.”

The new sponsorship deal was driven by hired@UCB sport employability tutor Martyn Phillips, who previously coached Jess during her time as an U16 player.

"Jess has progressed into the first team which is a massive achievement for her," said Martyn. "This sponsorship means UCB is supporting local women's football – particularly following the success of the England Women's team at the recent World Cup – as well as building on our strong links with West Bromwich Albion FC and The Albion Foundation."

Under the sponsorship, UCB will appear in the Albion Women's matchday programme and on the club website, as well as receiving two season tickets for the team's home matches. Representatives from the University will also be invited to meet Jess at the end of season Sponsors Event.

Dave Lawrence, Head of Sport at West Bromwich Albion Women, said: "It is so important that companies and institutions with such a high profile as UCB support the women’s game and the outstanding people within it.

"Jess is one of the personalities. She has been in our Regional Talent Centre from a young age, she's a top professional with a great family behind her and has real potential to move forward within the team."

Earlier this year, three UCB students spent time on placement with the Albion Foundation, supporting coaches in football sessions and within schools and community settings, as well as providing office and administration support.

Further opportunities with the club are also lined up for this season, with two sports therapy students having already secured season-long placements with the boys' academy.

UCB is committed to helping our students enhance their skills and employment prospects through valuable work placements with our industry partners. To find out more about the range of work opportunities available, visit our dedicated hired@UCB employability, careers and placements service.

If you’re interested in a career in the sports sector, explore our range of courses within UCB's School of Sport and Creative Services here.

Photo credit: Ian Stevens