A deal to enhance sports opportunities at Newcastle University has been made with adidas.

The sportswear giant will provide scholarships and sportswear for two of the University’s most talented athletes as well as funding for improving coaching and support for the Athletics’ Union, part of the University’s Students' Union. 

Last year, Newcastle was in the top ten of the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) league. The two-year agreement will support more promising sportsmen and women at Newcastle University and help the university to build on this position.

Professor Charles Harvey, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Humanities and Social Sciences at Newcaslte University, said: “Newcastle has a strong history of sporting excellence and we want to continue this tradition. The scholarships mean we can continue to attract the most gifted students – both academically and in sport – to study with us.

“This is very exciting and I am pleased that adidas has chosen Newcastle University as its first UK university partner and, in doing so, enabling us to enhance the sporting opportunities we offer at Newcastle.”

Nick Craggs, adidas’ Brand Director North Europe, added: “We are delighted to have teamed up with one of the UK’s top universities for this partnership. We plan to enhance the student experience at Newcastle University and enable students to showcase their talents. Newcastle University is an excellent addition to our list of partners.

“adidas goes beyond sport into street and style and the partnership will enable adidas to run events to celebrate talent and achievement across campus.”

Laura Mason, Athletics’ Union Officer at Newcastle University Students’ Union, said: “The adidas scholarships will really benefit students who want to come to Newcastle, not just to study at a great university, but who also want to continue practising the sports they love and are good at.”

The partnership will create part-time job opportunities for students as ambassadors and adidas will become the preferred kit provider for Team Newcastle, Newcastle University’s sports clubs.  Special offers on merchandise will also be available as part of the deal.

published on: 16 April 2013