University of Plymouth Raiders

A partnership with Raiders basketball club enabled access to professional coaching and ways to boost your career
University of Plymouth Raiders

Charity and the community 

Working together to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at our University, we're enabling crucial research to take place here in Plymouth. David Briggs from Raiders proudly placed a tile on the Wall of Hope at our John Bull Building recognising their fundraising achievements in support of our world-class research. 

Wear a Hat Day for Brain Tumour Research 2016

In March 2016, Plymouth Raiders supported the charity by having a bucket collection at their home game v Cheshire Phoenix, and players even sported their pink shirts during warm-up, with funds collected by staff from Santander and University of Plymouth on the day.

Their fantastic support helped raise nearly £7,000 for the University of Plymouth Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence to continue working towards a cure for brain tumours, the biggest cancer killer of people under 40.

Plymouth Raiders on Wear a Hat Day 2016

Benjamin Riddle, Sporting Excellence Scholar and former Plymouth Raiders Assistant Coach

"Throughout my time here at University of Plymouth, I was aware that I was always representing the University in all my activities as a chosen scholar and it gave me huge pride."

Ben Riddle, City College Plymouth student, discovered basketball at the age of 11 and never looked back.

Read more about Ben

Match report with UPSU newspaper

You don’t have to be an avid sports fan to get involved with University of Plymouth's sporting partners, just keen to develop your employability skills and do something different from your day-to-day routine.

Build on your journalism experience with the opportunity to report on Plymouth Raiders matches and interview players for The Knowledge newspaper, Madison Taylor, BA English Literature and Deputy Editor of The Knowledge newspaper said:

"Not only does it look great in a personal portfolio, but it's enhanced the student relationships within the city and broken down walls of communication between students and the local community.” 

Expert coaching

Our partnership with the Raiders helped prepare our UPSU Basketball Club mens and ladies teams to climb higher up the BUCS (British University and College Sport) rankings. During our three year partnership with Plymouth Raiders, they were provided with coaching staff, additional training times, and players who were part of the Raiders scholarship programme. 

Research and consultancy

Our students worked on live research and consultancy projects with the Plymouth Raiders on projects led through Futures Entrepreneurship Centre in the Business School including developing a strategy to improve ticket sales to fellow students. 

Eye care for the team

Our optometry students gained valuable experience that not only boosted their confidence but supported the Plymouth Raiders players with advanced eye care. 

“The Raiders visits to the Centre for Eyecare Excellence filled the students with excitement and enthusiasm - they enjoyed meeting the high profile players and practising their skills on professional sportsmen." 

Linda Cutler, Practice Manager of the Centre for Eyecare Excellence.