University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) has partnered with the Raheem Sterling Foundation to launch two fully funded scholarships for undergraduate students beginning their studies in the 2026-27 academic year. The initiative aims to support equal access to higher education for black British students from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds and increase diversity across the sports industry.
The scholarships will be awarded to one student at UCFB Wembley and one at UCFB Manchester. In addition to fully covered tuition fees, recipients will receive a £1,000-per-year bursary and a one-off support payment of £500. To be eligible, applicants must hold an offer for a UCFB undergraduate course for September 2026, come from Black, African and/or Caribbean heritage, and have a household income of under £40,000 per annum.
Raheem Sterling, professional footballer and founder of the Raheem Sterling Foundation, said: “I know first hand how important opportunity is. Not everyone starts from the same place, but everyone deserves a fair chance to grow, to learn, and to believe in what’s possible. That’s what this scholarship is about. It’s about opening doors for young people who have the talent and the drive, but just need that support to take the next step. Working with UCFB allows us to give that opportunity in a meaningful way, and I’m really proud of what we’re building together. I’m looking forward to seeing these young people grow, not just in education, but in confidence and belief in themselves.”
The London Premier Padel P1 has named sports and leisure brand Oysho as a major partner ahead of the tournament’s UK debut. The event is part of the global Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour. As part of the agreement, Oysho will outfit the tournament’s operational workforce, including technical staff and the ball crew. The partnership follows Oysho’s recent UK expansion and expands its presence on the tour, with the brand already active at events in Rome, Madrid, and Milan.
The deal supports event owner Sela’s ambition to position the tournament as a lifestyle event combining sport, fashion and entertainment. General sale tickets for the event will be available via Ticketmaster.
Stewart Hosford, CEO of Sela International, said: “Bringing Oysho on board as a Major Partner is a hugely exciting step for London Premier Padel P1. It’s a brand which sits at the intersection of sport, fashion and lifestyle, which aligns perfectly with the kind of event we’re building in London. We’ve already seen unprecedented demand for tickets during the pre-sale, so our focus is on delivering an experience that goes beyond the court – creating a cultural moment that reflects the energy around padel in this country.”
Global sailing championship SailGP has signed a multi-season global partnership with Bermudian spirits brand Goslings Rum. The three-season deal sees Goslings become the official rum partner of the global racing series. As part of the agreement, the brand’s products will be served at SailGP events globally, with on-site experiences including a dedicated ‘Goslings Bar’ and a signature cocktail.
Andrew Thompson, Managing Director of SailGP, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Goslings to SailGP as our official rum partner. This is a fantastic global partnership with a brand that is not only a leader in its field but as well shares our passion for sustainability and innovation. Goslings has a rich history with sailing and our values are very much aligned. We appear forward to them being a central part of the fan experience at our events.”
Malcolm Gosling Jr., eighth-generation rum maker at Goslings, said: “SailGP is a natural fit for Goslings. We share a love for the ocean and a commitment to sustainability. Our family has been sailing for generations, and we are thrilled to be a part of this exciting global championship. We look forward to introducing SailGP fans to the taste of Bermuda and our award-winning rums.”
These developments reflect broader efforts within the sports industry to promote inclusion, sustainability, and commercial innovation. The UCFB scholarship initiative addresses systemic barriers to higher education for underrepresented groups, while partnerships like those between London Premier Padel and Oysho, and SailGP and Goslings Rum, demonstrate how brands are aligning with sporting events to enhance fan experiences and promote shared values such as environmental responsibility and cultural engagement.
For ongoing updates on these initiatives, interested parties can monitor official announcements from UCFB, the Raheem Sterling Foundation, Sela International, and SailGP through their respective websites and press channels.
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