World’s top ranked University challenges Loughborough to sports fixture

Representatives from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), currently rated Number 1 in the QS World University Rankings®, are to visit Loughborough University this month to play an historic first ever sporting fixture between the two institutions.

Cambridge, Massachusetts based MIT is frequently rated as one of the world’s best universities. 81 Nobel Prizes have been won by present and former members of the MIT community.

MIT also boasts one of the most comprehensive student sport programmes in the United States. This inaugural ‘trans-Atlantic varsity’ fixture will see MIT take on Loughborough Students in a women’s lacrosse match at the University Stadium on Sunday 22 March.

The MIT contingent - comprising 25 players and coaches - will spend a week in Loughborough to experience academic life on campus, as well as sharing ideas about how best to develop and deliver a world-class student sport experience.

This exchange is the latest development between the two institutions, which have been collaborating in aspects of teaching, research and enterprise over the last decade.

Professor Mike Caine, Dean of Loughborough University in London, who has worked closely with MIT, said:

“Building on our long-standing collaborations in sports technology, and more recently in the area of innovation and entrepreneurship, we look forward to the opportunity of continuing this sports exchange next year and into the future.

“I am certain this will be a memorable experience for the students and staff directly involved, alongside adding another facet to the Loughborough sporting offer, which is becoming increasingly international in reach and reputation”.

Professor Robert Allison, Vice-Chancellor at Loughborough University added:

“I am delighted we are hosting this showcase international sporting fixture with one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

“I know that our students and staff, alongside the local community and lacrosse fraternity, will support this event and give our visitors from MIT a warm welcome".

Julie Soriero, Director of Athletics and Department Head at MIT said:

“This is an opportunity for our women’s varsity lacrosse team to truly live the MIT motto of “Mens et Manu” – “Mind and Hand”.

“To see and learn first-hand, through the connection of sport and competition, some of the cutting edge enterprises and research conducted by Loughborough University will be both memorable and inspiring.

“Our team and coaching staff are looking forward to exploring the educational, cultural and competitive opportunities presented through this collaboration”.

The event, which is free to attend, is taking place at the Loughborough University Stadium on Sunday 22nd March and starts at 4.30pm. Refreshments will be available.

It will also include a celebration of Loughborough’s sporting teams looking to qualify for BUCS Big Wednesday, which is being hosted on campus on 24-25 March.

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