Aston University has been announced as the headline sponsor of the City of Birmingham Rockets secondary school community programme.

The partnership will see the University headline the basketball team’s school activity with children in years 9-11 with its support set to be crucial in the side’s continued efforts to expand its offering to the young people of Birmingham.

The programme enables primary and secondary schools across the region to experience sessions during curriculum time, and after school, delivered by dedicated Rockets Community Coaches.

The two parties say they are looking forward to developing a positive working relationship and are excited by the potential mutual benefits this partnership will have moving forward.

Rockets CEO, Robert Palmer, said of the partnership:

“This is a very exciting time for the club, and we are very pleased to have the support of Aston University in our growing Community Programme.

“The club will work together with Aston University in several areas, utilising expertise to ensure the sustainability of the club in the long-term whilst developing our Schools Community Programme in the short-term.”

Mark Smith, executive director of business and regional engagement at Aston University, said:

“Basketball in the UK is a growing sport, one in which over one million young people take part each week.

“City of Birmingham Rockets are reaching the young people of the city and helping them realise their potential through engaging with the sport.

“As a University that likes to unlock potential, we are proud to be supporting them.”