AN England and Wales Cricket Board-accredited Premier League has a new sponsor in Teesside Sport.

North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier Cricket League (NYSDPCL) has been the primary cricket competition in the Tees Valley region for more than 100 years.

Since it was founded in 1892, it has won the LCC national inter-league championships 12 times, which is a league record in the UK.

The major teams from around the area compete in the NYSDPCL, including Middlesbrough Cricket Club.

After over a decade of collaboration between the NYSDPCL and Teesside University, Teesside Sport is set to become the official sponsor of the cricket league, promoting competitions including the Premier Hundred and the MacMillan Cup, as well as the ECB Premier Division.

The sponsorship will enhance Teesside University’s burgeoning reputation for sport, building on its offering of state-of-the-art gym facilities, competitive support for elite athletes and a wide range of high-quality courses to allow students to achieve their potential in everything from physiotherapy and rehabilitation to coaching.

It will also provide new opportunities to students from the University’s School of Health & Life Sciences embarking on careers in the sports industry through placements, work experience and partnership opportunities.

Professor Tim Thompson, Dean of the School of Health & Life Sciences, said: “Teesside University has built a strong network of important links with sporting organisations over the years and Teesside Sport is excited to work together with the NYSDPCL to deliver excellence, both in competitions and in developing the next generation of talented athletes and exercise professionals.

“It is fantastic to be joining the league in this new and exciting capacity, and Teesside Sport is extremely proud to be named the official sponsor.

“We look forward to what the cricket season brings this year, and we are thrilled to have a front-row seat as the league begins what I’m sure will be another very successful year in its history.”

Chris West, President of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier Cricket League, is also looking forward to what the new relationship between the NYSDPCL and Teesside Sport will bring for sport in the area.

He said: “The North Yorkshire and South Durham ECB Premier League has always been extremely proud to be associated with one of the region’s outstanding organisations.

“We have been linked with the University since 2008, and this extension of their support to become our headline partners through Teesside Sport heralds the beginning of a new era for the League as we seek to retain our place as one of the UK’s leading cricket leagues.

“We are excited about the possibilities that collaboration with the School of Health & Life Sciences presents and hope to continue to develop a relationship that will be mutually beneficial in the coming years.”

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