Solent University, the Utilita Bowl and Hampshire Cricket have announced a new partnership.

The collaboration aims to benefit staff, students, and the wider community by improving access to cricket and promoting healthier, more active lifestyles.

The partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between the two organisations.

The university and the cricket ground share values in the pursuit of sporting excellence and supporting community access to cricket.

A key feature of the new collaboration is the involvement of Solent graduate Lewis Parker.

Parker has been given a year-long Master's by Research opportunity, working with Hampshire Cricket's coaching team.

His role will involve player development, data analysis, and a research project to enhance the club's coaching and training methods.

The Solent Men’s and Vipers teams will gain access to the university's sports and exercise science facilities and expert staff for testing throughout the year.

Utilita Bowl staff will also provide guest lectures for Solent students.

Furthermore, the partnership will create placement, work, and volunteer opportunities at Utilita Bowl for university students.

Other benefits include exclusive event and ticket promotions for Solent University students and staff, the development of apprenticeship provision by the university for Utilita Bowl support staff, and access to specialist facilities at Utilita Bowl for Solent University’s cricket team.

Recently, Hampshire Cricket visited the Solent campus for their post-season testing assessment.

The Men's and Vipers teams were put through rigorous assessments by students from the sport and exercise science and sport and exercise therapy courses, under the supervision of the university’s expert staff.

For more information about Solent University's business services, visit the university's website.