The University of Birmingham hosts an evening of scintillating squash action at Edgbaston Priory tonight when they fight Chichester for a place in the next round of the Premier Squash League.

In what is regarded as one of the most prestigious leagues in the world, University Sport Birmingham boasts the notable role of being the only true university team to be entered. They compete as part of the Southern League, which also includes Unisport Guilford, Team Surrey and Oberthur Strings along with their immediate opponents Chichester.

Supported by the UK’s largest student Hospitality provider, UNITE, the University Sport Birmingham UNITE team is headed up by two former students; world number 30 Joey Barrington, and world number 20 Laura Jane Lengthorn. The England Internationals are joined by three other University-associated athletes who will take on Chichester.

Birmingham graduate Jonathon Harford is a former England Junior International and has recently enjoyed becoming one of the fastest moving players in the world ranks, shooting from number 323 in January to the number 153, where he is placed at now.

Undergraduate Sports Scholar and former South African Junior International Steve Coppinger also competes, as does first year student and Under 19 number 1, Joel Hinds, who is a member of the government’s Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme.

University Sport Birmingham was awarded the Bronze Club Charter earlier this season which symbolises their success and dedication to the sport. The Birmingham UNITE team will be hoping to emulate the recent success of the University’s men’s and women’s 1st squash teams and men’s 2nd team being crowned champions of the British Universities Sports Association team competition at the end of last month.

Spectators are welcome to come and support what promises to be an entertaining, action packed event with matches starting at 7pm. Tickets, priced at £5, are available in advance from Munrow Sports Centre reception on The University’s Edgbaston Campus or by calling Lucy Hood on 0121 414 2262. Alternatively they can be bought on the day at Edgbaston Priory Squash Courts.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) – The Department of Culture, Media & Sport funds and promotes the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, which provides talented athletes identified by their National Governing Bodies access to support services (physiotherapy, sport science, lifestyle workshops and help with sports related expenses) to the value of £3,000. For more information visit:www.tass.gov.uk

University of Birmingham Sports Scholarships - The University of Birmingham has a scheme to award scholarships to high performance sports-people, to help develop student sporting potential. The scheme offers around 30 scholarships per year. Scholars may study in any subject and can take advantage of sports science and sports medicine services, including physiotherapy; free use of the University’s sports facilities; talks and guidance from experts in the field; support from a Sports Scholar Mentor and financial assistance.

British Universities Sports Association (BUSA)

The British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) is the governing body of student competitive sport. It organises the inter-university sports programme nationally, as well as co-ordinating the UK representative team for the World University Championships and World University Games. For more information visit: www,busa.org.uk

UNITE is the UK’s largest student hospitality provider and is home to 31,000 students in 29 towns and cities in the UK. UNITE has two properties in Birmingham, The Heights and Londonderry House. All UNITE properties offer a range of en-suite study rooms, a choice of tenancy agreements and flexible payment plans to suit individual requirements. Facilities include broadband facilities in all rooms, a common room with Sky TV, fully-fitted kitchens/breakfast bars, 24/7 CCTV, swipe card access to all rooms, dedicated on-site management and maintenance teams, secure bike storage, vending machines, and much more. Pop in to find out more or visit their website: www.unite-students.com

Further information:

Lucy Hood – PR, Media and Promotions Officer, University Sport Birmingham

Tel: 0121 414 2262 / E-mail: l.hood@bham.ac.uk

Rachel Robson – Press Officer, University of Birmingham

Tel: 0121 414 6681 / E-mail: r.a.robson@bham.ac.uk