The long-term partnership will see West Ham United Women benefit from the full scope of the University’s expertise. 

This includes world-leading research, elite athlete education programmes, performance support expertise, access to outstanding sports facilities, and integrating Loughborough’s most talented students through internship opportunities.   

With a long history of supporting dual career elite athletes, the University will provide an alternative education pathway for West Ham United Women’s players and coaches through Scholarships and BTECs at Loughborough’s London campus.

As part of the agreement, the two institutions will also collaborate on a world-leading research project utilising performance analysis to define the future of the Women’s game.   

In addition, West Ham Women will play a first-team fixture on campus at the University Stadium.

Loughborough students will have access to apply for internships at the club, including in strength and conditioning, and nutrition. Further to this, Loughborough’s expert performance support team will knowledge share with West Ham coaches and backroom staff, drawing upon the team’s vast experience in supporting dual-career athletes. 

Jo Simpson, Commercial and Facilities Director for Loughborough Sport, said:

“We are breaking new ground in the women’s game through this world-leading partnership with West Ham United Women, integrating the very best of Loughborough’s research, elite level performance support and giving our incredible students new opportunities within both the men’s and women’s backroom teams.

“West Ham Women’s commitment to developing their player pathways aligns perfectly with our world-leading experience at supporting elite-level dual-career athletes. 

“I am immensely proud of the partnership that we have formed and through our embedded research initiative I can’t wait to see the impact we will have together on the women’s game.”    

Professor Tony Edwards, Dean of Loughborough University London, said:

“It is wonderful that we have reached an agreement to become partners with West Ham United Women. The University formed a base in East London partly to help us extend the range of partners that we work with, and it is great to see our relationship come to fruition in this way.”

Aidan Boxall, West Ham United Women’s General Manager, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to announce this partnership between West Ham United Women and Loughborough University.

“We believe this partnership can be a game changer for our Club, women’s football and women’s sport over the next three years – specifically, through providing academic support to our players and allowing them to study at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, as well as exploring research opportunities to gather more data on women’s football and aid our performances on the pitch.

“We believe that our partnership with Loughborough University can help us to achieve our ambitions of becoming one of the most successful Clubs in English football whilst also continuing to grow the Club’s influence within our local community.”

Nathan Thompson, West Ham United Chief Commercial Officer, added:

“As a club we pride ourselves on always looking for ways to improve and innovate, and I am certain that this partnership will do just that. The collaboration between ourselves and Loughborough University will help both our players and staff alike. We look forward to developing this exciting opportunity as the season progresses.”

For more information on Loughborough University, visit its website here: www.lboro.ac.uk, and for further information on West Ham United Women, visit its website: https://www.whufc.com/teams/women/womens-team