University and Bucks team up in deal

The University of Wolverhampton has announced a new sponsorship deal with AFC Telford United as part of its growing presence in the area.

As part of the two year package the University will take on the naming rights at the New Bucks Head for the current Sir Stephen Roberts West Stand for the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons.

It currently houses more than 2,000 seats, as well as corporate hospitality, media facilities, a restaurant, gym and swimming pool. This will become the University of Wolverhampton stand.

The University will also take over sponsorship of the Goalzone floodlit pitches at the ground, which offers FA standard 4G pitches for community use.

The agreement will also result in work experience and placement opportunities for students with the club. University of Wolverhampton students can also get discounted tickets to all home matches by showing their student card.

The University has a campus in Telford at Priorslee, which houses facilities for engineering, built environment and computing students. It is also home to a host of start-up businesses at the e-Innovation Centre, Business Technology Centre and the University’s International Academy.

Earlier this year University Centre Telford opened on the top floor of Southwater One, a new venture with Telford College of Arts and Technology.

D‌eputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Oakes, said: “We’re very proud to be working even more closely with AFC Telford United. The club is a vital part of the local community in the town, as is the University, so it is a great partnership for both parties.

“We have had a presence in Telford for more than 20 years at Priorslee and we have developed that further this year with the opening of Southwater One.

“Also, as the University of Opportunity, we are extremely pleased that this agreement will lead to work experience and placement and internship opportunities for our students and graduates. It will give them vital insight into the football industry and enhance their skills and experience.”

Mark Gallagher, AFC Telford’s Commercial Manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring on the University of Wolverhampton as the official West Stand sponsor.  It has an ever growing reputation in and around the Telford area with an outstanding 95% graduate employability rate.

“It is investing £250 million over the next five years as part of the Our Vision, Your Opportunity programme. The ambitious plans to invest in education, training and economic growth include the £25 million Rosalind Franklin Science Building, the new £18 million Lord Swraj Paul business school building and the £70 million Springfield Campus, creating an international hub for construction excellence, so we are extremely proud that they see AFC Telford United as a platform for business development and to complement their full sales and marketing strategy.

“I will be working very closely with the University over the next couple of years to ensure we continue our great relationship and to build on that for many years to come.”

ENDS