Amanda Jones
25 July 2016: The University of Canberra will remain as front of shirt sponsor for Canberra United for another two seasons.
University of Canberra Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Frances Shannon said the University was thrilled to continue its support for the W-League team.
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L-R: University of Canberra Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Frances Shannon, Canberra United players Nikki Flannery, Grace Gill and Canberra United CEO Phil Brown. Photo: Kim Pham.
"We have a long history with Canberra United including increasing our support from back of shorts sponsor to front of shirt sponsor from the 2014/15 season and I'm pleased to see this successful partnership continue," Professor Shannon said.
"The University of Canberra is proud to champion women's sport in the region and is committed to delivering leading sports education and research in cutting-edge facilities like our Sporting Commons. I look forward to joining my colleagues, students and alumni to cheer on Canberra United in the upcoming W-League season."
Canberra United CEO Phil Brown said he was delighted to announce the new agreement with the University of Canberra.
"The University's continued support of Canberra United significantly contributes to the ongoing availability of a talented player pathway for girls in the ACT that aspire to develop as footballers and reach the pinnacle of our sport," Mr Brown said.
"The partnership has broader benefits as well, with our organisations collaborating to deliver opportunities for professional development and research.
"The success of this can be seen in lecturer in sports analytics Dr Jocelyn Mara's contribution to the professional training environment for Canberra United players by monitoring and acquiring data of player training and playing loads with GPS and heart rate monitors to ensure our players are physically prepared for the season ahead."
Dr Mara, a former Canberra United goalkeeper, is one of a number of proud University of Canberra alumni involved with the team. Players Nicole Begg (nee Sykes) graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental Science last year and her sister Ashleigh Sykes graduated with a Bachelor of Sports Coaching and Exercise Science in 2013.
The deal will also see sports studies and communication students undertake internships with the elite sporting team.
The University of Canberra will also have naming rights of the Rising Star Award presented to the under-20 player of the year at the club's annual end of season awards function.
