BSU X BCFC
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BSU announced as new Bath City Football Club shirt sponsors
Monday, 29 July, 2024Bath Spa University is delighted to announce a new sponsorship deal with Bath City Football Club, which will see the University’s logo proudly displayed on the front of the Men’s team’s home and away shirts for the next two seasons and will enable the University to embed further into the local and regional community and be visible across the country, as Bath City FC look to have another successful campaign in the National League South.
The announcement came as Bath City FC unveiled their brand-new home and away strip for the upcoming 24/25 season with many of the launch images captured by BSU Photography Graduate, Raphael Manzo, who took striking profile images of the team. BSU students, staff and alumni also feature in the launch film, alongside some of the Bath City team players and squad.
The sponsorship of the Men’s first team builds on BSU’s existing relationship with the Club, with the University’s existing sponsorship of both Twerton Park stadium and the back of the Women’s first team shirts. As part of this sponsorship, the University will also be sponsoring Bath City's U17's and U18's boys teams.
BSU’s partnership with Bath City FC presents a wide range of opportunities for students including valuable work experience and volunteering opportunities, aspects of Degree course modules weaved into live projects at the Club, social events, the potential to use Club facilities, discounted student and staff season tickets and shirts and the invitation to be a part of the Bath City FC community.
Bath City Manager, Jerry Gill touched on the importance of connecting with students, as the Club looks to invite more members of the local community to regularly attend matches at Twerton Park:
"We are extremely proud and excited to have such recognisable brand in Bath Spa University as our front shirt sponsors for the next two seasons. I am sure it is just the start of what will be such a unique and powerful relationship that we will continue to build on over the coming months and years.”
Speaking about the importance of the partnership, Lucy Stone, Head of Communications and Brand Development at BSU:
“It’s incredibly exciting for Bath Spa University to be sponsoring the Bath City FC Men’s team, which builds on our existing relationship with the Women’s team and our partnership with the Club. It’s going to be great to watch the Team wearing our brand travel around the country and spread the word about BSU.
Each year, when it’s come to looking at our strategic marketing, promotional and engagement objectives, we look at how we can best reach new potential students for the University and give our current students the very best student experience, and we believe this partnership will allow us to do exactly that. There are so many opportunities for our students to take advantage of this partnership within their course modules, and beyond, with the skills learnt here being able to give them a confident edge when it comes to further employability after their studies. We really hope our students and staff embrace this opportunity to get involved with and support the Club, whether that be attending matches, engaging with events, or utilising the many different volunteering opportunities available.”
As a community-owned club, run by an army of volunteers and supporters, Bath City FC is indicative of the diverse and passionately creative community that also exists within BSU. The Club offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities for students, from working within the Media team to helping on matchdays with ticketing and hospitality. In seizing these opportunities students can gain tangible life experiences and practical skills that can assist them in their later careers.
As part of this partnership, students will get exclusive access to discounted season tickets, as well as tailored events that will encourage students to visit Twerton Park and be a part of the action.
Caroline White, Bath City’s Marketing Director, and Bath Spa University alumni, spoke of how important this partnership could support students:
“I moved to Bath in the 1990’s to study at BSU, I was desperately homesick, having left my school friends and family behind. It really affected my confidence and I had moments when I wasn’t sure I could stay. Being a part of the Bath City FC family would have given me a purpose, a focus, and the chance to meet like-minded students who may not have been on my course or in my halls. Recent research commissioned by the Government has found that loneliness is experienced by almost all students (92%), and this really resonated with me. Bath City FC is an inclusive and thriving club and community and we look forward to warmly welcoming BSU students for the coming seasons.”
Bath City’s Volunteer Media Manager, and Bath Spa University alumni, Matt Francis expressed his excitement at the partnership, as well as touching on the importance of volunteering in the local community:
“Volunteering at the Club has done wonders for my confidence and creative skills. It’s a commitment I take incredibly seriously and I’m proud to have forged many strong relationships at the club. This new sponsorship with BSU is valuable for all parties, with students offered the chance to engage with a pillar of the local community and the Club afforded the opportunity to regularly communicate with a growing section of our passionate fanbase.”
There will be more announcements in the coming weeks, as BSU and Bath City FC looks to cement a partnership that will acknowledge the past, enhance the present and empower the future.
You can purchase your BCFC X BSU shirts here
Students can also get exclusive access to discounted season tickets using the code 'BSU2024'
