LEADING lights from the University of Huddersfield believe they have hit upon a winning formula by linking up with Huddersfield Giants.

The Super League club yesterday unveiled the university as a main sponsor for 2005, with the academic institute's name emblazoned on the front of both the home and away shirt.

In return, the Giants will be given full access to the university's sports complex at Storthes Hall and take full advantage of their state-of-the-art sports facilities.

Those include an ultra-modern physiotherapy department and sports science unit where the health of all Giants players can be monitored on a regular basis to guarantee they are all at the peak of fitness.

The university will also be selling club merchandise and discounted tickets on campus and there are plans for an academic link-up between the two organisations.

And Colin Blair, director of estates and facilities at the university, believes the partnership will prove a massive hit.

"This is a great tie-up for us, because the Giants are a successful organisation and a real asset to the town," he said.

"Following on from the success of the university's TV campaign it will be a marvellous opportunity to put Huddersfield on the map once again.

"We are looking forward to seeing the university's name on the shirts and together it'll be a great boost for the institution, the club and the town itself.

"Like the university, the Giants work hard to give back to the local community, and this mirrors our own beliefs and mission.

"The club are particularly keen on attracting young supporters, and if they are all wearing shirts with the University of Huddersfield on the front of them it can only help increase their awareness of us.

"That surely can't do any harm at all.

"At the end of the day, the ultimate aim is to lift the profile of the university, the Giants and the town.

"We believe the foundations are in place to achieve this goal."

Giants general manager Richard Thewlis was at the heart of securing the partnership deal.

And he believes it won't be long before his club are reaping the rewards.

"This deal marks the start of a very exciting period for our club with a partner that can bring so much to us, both on and off the field," he said.

"The University are the second largest employer in the town with around 1,800 staff and have over 17,500 students each year on campus, all of whom can be both fans and contributors to what we are trying to achieve.

"There is immense expertise among the university staff, particularly in the medical, sports psychology and fitness areas that complement the work we do with our athletes.

"Our coaching staff are looking forward to exploring areas of better practice with the university. It's fair to say we are all learning and what better contact for us now to have!

"We have Huddersfield University graduates Jonathan Wilkinson, Chris Plume and Lisa Jagger in key management posts with the Giants, which is a trend we would like to see continue.

"Jonathan is our marketing officer, Chris is player performance manager and Lisa is just about to start as our new community marketing manager.

"This new partnership will further enable us to develop the all-important community links that will in turn drive increased attendances.

"And I'm sure that our supporters will join me in thanking the university for their foresight in joining with our club and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship."