Oly Cats in purr-fect deal with University of Beds

The club was formed in the summer and chose to partner with the University of Bedfordshire in a strategic move that will benefit both parties.

The handball club are top of Midlands Development League 1 and bidding to secure promotion to the Super 8s – the top division of English handball – in their inaugural season.

On Sunday, February 2 the Oly Cats beat Nottingham to make it three straight wins at the arena.

Matches are played at the venue – refurbished at a cost of £1.5m - at the Polhill Campus and the University of Bedfordshire is assisting with more.

In February, students will be able to apply for an internship with the Oly Cats, helping with marketing the club to those on campus and the community, as well as helping to deliver commercial, PR and media campaigns around the town.

John Brewer, Director of Sport and Sports Enterprise at the University of Bedfordshire, said: “It is great to have the Oly Cats here - and being successful. We have entered into a relationship that we believe offers many benefits to the students in terms of being involved with an innovative, real life project from the very early stages.

“To have the chance to watch Olympians playing one of the fastest growing participation sports in the country is a tremendous honour. It is a very exciting project to be involved with and there is lots of scope for students to play an influential role in supporting the development of the sport in

Oly Cats chairman and chief executive, Chris Rivett, said: “We are grateful to the University of Bedfordshire, and in particular Professor John Brewer, for the support they have already provided for the club to help us get up and running.

“The Indoor Arena is a fantastic venue and everyone who has been to see our first two matches there has really enjoyed the experience. We’re hoping word will soon spread around the town andthe players will be cheered on by bigger crowds, as the games get more exciting.”

As well as the Oly Cats, the arena will host the British University College Sport Futsal Championships at the end of March.