WSP Solicitors have been unveiled as sponsor of the Hartpury Netball Academy, adding its name and branding to both University and College 1st teams.
The sponsorship will allow the teams to continue competing at the highest levels in the UK and the financial support will mean players can take advantage of local and national opportunities that may not have previously been possible.
In return for their sponsorship, WSP Solicitors will receive kit sponsorship, onsite branding and signage, marketing activity and invitations to events and fixtures.
The Gloucestershire-based firm, which has offices in Stroud and Gloucester city centre, is well known in the area and has a strong record of supporting community activities, charities, and schools. They provide legal services to business and individuals alike, covering everything from commercial properties and disputes to residential property and family law. WSP exist to make their clients’ lives, less complicated. Whether this is in business, family life, moving house, or planning for the future.
Hartpury’s Netball Academy has enjoyed several successful seasons and continues to grow in strength and depth.
A number of Hartpury players are also competing in the Netball Performance League (NPL) – the country’s premier netball league for players at U17, U19 and U21 level. These include:
Team Bath U19
Holly Thompson (A-levels)
Alice Clark (Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport and Exercise Science)
Thea Rhodes (A-levels)
Charlotte Steer (Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport and Exercise Science)
Fearne Maine (BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching)
Becca Hinkins (Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport and Exercise Science)
Severn Stars U19
Trinity Lango (A-levels)
Lucy Drury (Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport and Exercise Science alum)
Sydney Palmer (Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport and Exercise Science alum)
Team Bath U21
Layla Brough (BA (Hons) Sports Business Management)
Effie Robinson (BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition)
Lily Jones – (A-levels alum)
Ellie Gabriel – (A-levels alum)
Severn Stars U21
Poppy Jones (BSc (Hons) Sports Performance)
Jazz Genge (BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport)
Daisy Collett (BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences)
Emily Books (Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport and Exercise Science)
Holly Duerden, Netball Academy Manager at Hartpury, said: “Everyone knows that sponsorship within sport – especially including a financial contribution, is an essential component of its long-term success. I know I speak on behalf of the entire team when I say how grateful we are for the support from WSP. This support will allow our players to have opportunities that may not have been possible even 3 months ago, as well as supporting these teams to continue to compete at the highest of levels in the UK.
“We’re very excited to work with such a supportive and forward-thinking company and look forward to having them alongside for the journey ahead.”
Silas Miller, Head of Marketing and BD at WSP Solicitors, said: “Partnering with a local institution such as Hartpury is a real privilege. Seeing our brands alongside one other feels like the start of a truly exciting journey together. As supporters of Gloucestershire as a whole, providing sponsorship to Hartpury Netball to support the growth of the sport and open up opportunities for players locally and nationally is a great feeling. All of WSP Solicitors are really looking forward supporting all the teams going forward, growing their reach far and wide”.
Students on the Hartpury Netball Academy pathway benefit from access to qualified, experienced coaching staff who are involved at both national and international level as well as currently playing in the UK Netball Super League. With teams competing in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues and the AoC National Leagues, there’s something for all levels of netball player – including those who want to simply play for fun and fitness while they study.
Over 100 athletes are currently enrolled within the Hartpury Netball programme, which is open to FE and HE student-athletes, male or female. Hartpury offers a dual pathway for talented athletes to develop in their sporting discipline with 10 competitive sports academies, whilst also studying for a degree.
The institution has a record for success with over 250 international athletes produced over the past 15 years, and 97% of sports graduates in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes 2022).
