Flyers Women Announce Partnership With Bristol University Spartans

The partnership has been established to help Bristol become one of the leading cities for Women’s Basketball in the country. Flyers coach Gareth Till, Bristol Head Coach Ric Hampton & University Sport Performance Manager Matt Paine ,were all instrumental in organising and facilitating the new partnership.

The relationship gives Bristol University athletes access to one of the top Basketball Clubs in the country, incorporating shared training sessions, access to coaches & facilities. It will also open up a pathway for Flyers athletes wishing to pursue a world class education at the University.

“I'm excited to be a part of this new era for women's basketball in the City. The partnership will allow University athletes to access the highest level of training and facilities through the incredible Flyers set-up.

"We want to attract the best-of-the-best to our programme, and the link to Flyers and their aspirations is the perfect way to do it. We want to make Bristol the premier location for basketball in the UK", Ric Hampton, Bristol University Head Coach.

Recruiting players to Bristol and offering top level basketball will be an important driver as both teams look to challenge for top honours.

"I am delighted that this partnership is now in place and offers both the University of Bristol, and Bristol Flyers an opportunity to create something special for women's basketball in the city.
Through all the hard work of the partners, coaches and members of both clubs this can become an established offer for all players wanting to aspire to the level of basketball on offer.
I look forward to seeing the benefits both in BUCS competition and with the Flyers continued progression" - Matt Paine, Bristol University Sports Performance Manager.

The Flyers Women have already seen the benefits from a similar partnership with the University West of England, which has seen the recent signing American Guard Amani Clark join the club. Flyers now have fantastic opportunity to work alongside both Universities and really put Women’s Basketball on the map.

“We’re thrilled to be appointed as official partners with Bristol University. When we had our initial meeting with the University, it was clear Matt and Ric were fully committed to developing not only University Basketball but Basketball in Bristol. Being an ambitious club we had to be part of it. We really want to help develop and attract players to the area, everyone’s going to benefit from it. These type of relationships are vital for UK Women’s basketball, many of the WBBL clubs are closely associated with educational institutions, we’re in a great place to really start pushing women’s Basketball forward in the area” Coach Gareth Till said.

Bristol Flyers women start their season on the 2nd of October playing in the newly formed Div 1. It’s a tough start for the Flyers as they take on the respective champions from Div2 South West, Reading and Div2 South East, Southwark in their first two games. Contact flyerswomen@gmail.com for more details.