University Of Huddersfield Partner With Hawks
In a groundbreaking move for basketball in the region, the West Yorkshire Hawks have announced a strategic partnership with the University of Huddersfield. The agreement positions the university as the club’s official higher education partner and an integral part of their performance pathway. This collaboration aims to elevate the sport’s profile and enhance player development across both the university and the Hawks.
A central component of this partnership will see Hawks’ experienced coaches taking the helm of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at the University of Huddersfield. These coaches will deliver comprehensive team and individual development sessions, whilst also widening the university’s proactive recruitment of student athletes. Alongside this, the University of Huddersfield will be offering a range of scholarship opportunities for talented young basketball players to combine their studies whilst continuing to play basketball at an elite level.
Mark Mills, co-founder of the West Yorkshire Hawks, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “This is a big moment for basketball in West Yorkshire. The University of Huddersfield understands the potential that basketball has and is investing in its future. The university has the best facilities in the county and now with Hawks’ coaches leading both the men’s and women’s programmes they will be receiving elite level coaching. This partnership makes the University of Huddersfield the first choice for all aspiring young players in the region that want to continue to play basketball at a high level whilst studying for their undergraduate or postgraduate degree.”
The partnership is set to commence immediately, with the Hawks already reaching out to potential students with the opportunity to enroll at the University of Huddersfield and compete in the National League for the Hawks. This proactive approach is expected to attract a new wave of promising athletes to the university, enhancing its growing reputation as a hub for sporting excellence.
Sid Fletcher, Sports and Participation Manager at the University of Huddersfield, echoed Mills’ sentiments, saying, “We are delighted to join forces with the West Yorkshire Hawks. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing top-tier sports programs and facilities for our students. By integrating elite coaching from the Hawks, we aim to create an environment where student-athletes can thrive both academically and athletically. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will have on our basketball teams and the wider university community.”
The announcement of the head coaches for the university’s men’s and women’s basketball teams is expected soon, as the partnership gears up for the 2024/25 academic year and the basketball season starting in September. This initiative marks a significant step forward for basketball in West Yorkshire, promising a bright future for the sport at both the university and national league levels.
Young players interested in finding out more about the opportunity of combining studying at the University of Huddersfield with playing for the Hawks should contact the club by email at info@wybasketball.co.uk