This collaborative initiative involves both the University’s School of Sport Science & Physical Activity (SSPA) and its Institute for Sport & Physical Activity Research (ISPAR), and will provide invaluable and rewarding prospects for students.

As a result of the partnership, SSPA students will be given the chance to partake in multiple volunteer opportunities helping the Foundation to deliver health and fitness programmes across Bedford. The voluntary placements will complement their studies and enable the students to upskill and enhance their career development.

Dr Andrew Mitchell, Associate Dean of the University’s Faculty of Education & Sport and Head of SSPA, said: “We are delighted to be cementing our partnership with the Blues Foundation. The relationship will give our students crucial work experience opportunities, it will give our researchers a platform to carry out impactful projects within the community and it will provide the Foundation with access to a wide range of staff expertise and resources across the University.”

The Blues Foundation – the charitable arm of Bedford Blues rugby club – will specifically benefit from access to the University’s facilities, resources and research institute. A core focus of the partnership will be to evaluate the impact of strategic community projects and programmes within society as a whole.

In addition, the Blues Foundation will work closely with ISPAR to create a streamlined vision and delivery mandate in regards to research-backed health, wellbeing, inclusivity and educational programmes for the local area.  

Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood, said: “We’re so pleased to be working together with the University of Bedfordshire. The opportunity to benefit from the University’s facilities on Polhill Avenue is amazing, and to have the support of researchers and student volunteers will hopefully support their learning and also enhance the quality of our programmes.”

This partnership will also offer the opportunity to pool resources where required and will provide a more formal working environment for the sharing of expertise and knowledge.

Launched earlier this month, Tackle LIFE will be one of the first long-term projects which the Blues Foundation and the University of Bedfordshire will work on collaboratively.

To keep up with the very latest developments between the Blues Foundation and the University, follow both partners on social media @UoB_SSPA and @blues_foundation.