UC unites in new deal with Canberra United
Amanda Jones
24 July 2014: The º£½ÇÉäÇø is proud to announce that it will be the new front of shirt sponsor for Canberra United for the next two seasons.
Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker said the University was delighted to be increasing its support from back of shorts sponsor to front of shirt sponsor for the W-League team.
"We have a long relationship with Canberra United and this new arrangement builds on that," Professor Parker said. "Our plan is to become Australia's leading university for sports education and research and this partnership will help us get there."
Canberra United CEO Heather Reid said she was pleased to see the º£½ÇÉäÇø taking the prominent position for the new campaign.
"The University has supported our national league team for a few years and it's great to know they have a commitment to women's sport. Being part of the work that's being done through the Sporting Commons is a bonus for us," she said.
"Many players and staff of Canberra United have experienced the value of being students at the º£½ÇÉäÇø and we have also benefited from the support of University interns on a range of research projects. To me, the º£½ÇÉäÇø and Canberra United provide a wonderful opportunity for continued improvement in our mutually beneficial relationship."
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Canberra United captain and º£½ÇÉäÇø student Nicole Begg presents a jersey to Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker. Photo: Michelle McAulay |
As part of the deal, sports studies and communication students will be able to undertake internships with the elite sporting team. Among the staff involved in providing research support will be former Canberra United goalkeeper Jocelyn Mara, who is now a teaching fellow and PhD researcher at the University.
Canberra United captain Nicole Begg (nee Sykes) is currently studying environmental science and her sister Ashleigh Sykes is an alumna, having graduated with a Bachelor of Sports Coaching and Exercise Science in 2013.
The º£½ÇÉäÇø will also have naming rights of the Rising Star Award (under-20 player of the year) presented at the club's annual end of season awards function.
"I look forward to joining my colleagues and students to cheer on Canberra United in the upcoming Westfield W-League season," Professor Parker concluded.
The Westfield W-League season kicks off in mid-September.