Derby County Women’s first-team shirts will proudly display the logo of the University of Derby for the 2024/25 season.
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Following positive conversations in recent months, the University of Derby has signed an agreement to become the Ewes’ new front of shirt sponsor for the campaign.
The logo will appear on the Ewes’ shirts for the first time in their opening home fixture of the 2024/25 FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division season at the Don Amott Arena on Sunday against Wolverhampton Wanderers (2pm kick-off).
Derby County and the University of Derby have enjoyed a strong and positive relationship over the last ten years, working closely on a variety of projects and campaigns across the club - including offering experience at the club through the University’s BA (Hons) Sports Management programme and BA (Hons) Football Journalism course.
Another of the valued projects was launched in 2018, with talented young women footballers being offered the chance to win a unique scholarship to study football journalism at the University, with students’ tuition fees covered, and potentially play for Sam Griffiths’ side.
Current Ewes defender Ella Hilliard is studying Football Journalism at the University and is now entering her third year with the squad.
Captain Emily Joyce is a graduate of the University and fellow team-mate Camille Jenkins is due to start studying at the institution later this year.
In addition, Derby County Community Trust has linked up with the University of Derby to enhance its Elite Player Pathway for female players aged between 16-21.
This will allow players the opportunity to stay with the club for a five-year period and be in full-time education alongside a full-time football programme, with the Female Talent Pathway feeding directly into the senior team.
Upon completing their college work, players can study a full-time degree programme at the University of Derby in the following subjects: Sport Coaching & Development, Sport Management or Sport and Education.
Derby County’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Pearce, said: “We’re delighted to see the University of Derby continue its association with Derby County by becoming the Women’s front of shirt sponsor for the 2024/25 season.
“Our relationship with the University of Derby is a long-standing one and we’ve built up some excellent relationships whilst working alongside its talented team. The partnership has been successful for both parties and gone from strength to strength, with this new sponsorship being a prime example.
“We’re thrilled with the progress of our Women’s set-up and we’re really excited for what the season holds for Sam Griffiths and her side.”
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to develop further our partnership with Derby County Football Club by supporting the Women’s first team.
“At the University of Derby, we are focused on industry engagement and providing opportunities for our students to gain real-world learning and applied experiences to ensure that they graduate with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their chosen fields, and our relationship with Derby County is a key example of this.
“We wish the Women's team the very best of luck for the next season and we look forward to continuing to build on our relationship with the club.”
Derby County Women will wear the club’s home and third kits in the 2024/25 season and the University of Derby will appear on the front of the shirts for each competitive fixture.
Find out more information about the University of Derby by visiting derby.ac.uk.
