Loughborough University and British Army Sport forge new partnership

British Army Sport and the University of Loughborough are set to sign a unique partnership which could lead to giving elite sporting soldiers the best possible platform for success at the highest level. 

A memorandum of understanding will formalise a relationship which both parties hope will benefit soldiers and students alike. 

The seven-point agreement will give Army Sport athletes access to Loughborough's renowned sporting facilities for training, competitive fixtures and flagship events.

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The partnership will also facilitate joint initiatives, including collaborative coaching as well as giving students the chance to share in some of the Army's high-performance leadership programmes. 

It isn't clear at this stage how many soldiers on the elite sports programme will benefit, but hopes are high that the benefits will be seen very quickly.

The memorandum of understanding will be signed by Professor Nick Jennings, Vice Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, and Major General James Senior, the Chair of Army Sport. 

After the signing, the Army women's netball team will be invited to train with top Super League outfit Loughborough Lightning at the university. 

Initially, the agreement will be in place for 12 months, but it's hoped the opportunities it offers for soldiers and students through the partnership will last much longer. 

The partnership's seven aims

• To identify the availability of sports venues and accommodation at Loughborough University and an opportunity to increase sports fixtures between Loughborough University and Army Sport associations and unions. 
• Loughborough Performance Sport Services to be made available for specific Army Sport programmes. 
• Collaboration on coach development programmes. 
• Collaboration between Loughborough University, Army Sport and the Centre for Army Leadership on all aspects of leadership. 
• Both parties to facilitate introductions to relevant sports networks. 
• Loughborough University to facilitate introductions to campus professional services for the purposes of the British Army, exploring ways in which mutually beneficial engagement opportunities with the Loughborough student population can be developed. 
• Explore further opportunities that could contribute to mutually beneficial organisational goals of promoting shared commitments to sporting accessibility and excellence.

What do both organisations think about the partnership?

Major General Darell Amison, Army Sport's chief executive officer, believes the agreement will give real benefits to Army athletes.

He said: "Army Sport is delighted, excited and very proud to embark on this mutually-beneficial strategic relationship with Loughborough University.

"The relationship will provide Army Sport teams with access to world-class facilities and professional services, and to compete against their Loughborough University counterparts."

Professor Jo Maher, Pro Vice Chancellor for Sport at Loughborough University, said: "Loughborough University has a proud heritage of sporting excellence and we are thrilled to partner with Army Sport to create unique opportunities for training, competition and professional growth.

"This collaboration places opportunity at its heart, and we’re looking forward to a dynamic and fruitful partnership between two of the UK's most enviable high-performance brands."