SourceBMX bunnyhop into partnership with University of Brighton

UK BMX shop, SourceBMX, has entered into a knowledge  transfer partnership (KTP) with experts at the University of Brighton.

 The KTP will be centred around the recently-opened Source Park – a huge  underground skate park facility situated under the seafront in the heart of Hastings.

 There are two aims to the KTP. The first aim is to develop a nationally  recognised and formalised coaching programme for BMX freestyle and the  second is to link the coaching offer to further diversification and innovation in the existing retail business.

SourceBMX will be working with a multi-disciplinary project team at the University of Brighton in Eastbourne comprising Dr James Wallis (Sport Coaching), Harvey Ells (Retail and Food Studies), Alex Bliss (Sport and Exercise Science) and Adam Jones (Sport Business Management).

Dr James Wallis said: “Structured approaches to coaching and coach education are well established in the more traditional sports such as football, cricket and tennis. However, this isn’t the case with street sports. This is one of the incredibly exciting prospects of working on this KTP with Source BMX. With the university’s track record in developing coach education programmes it is a perfect partnership.”

 Richard Moore, Managing Director of The Source, said: “After successfully completing an Innovate UK, Innovation Voucher last year with Harvey Ells we are delighted to again be collaborating with the wider academic team at the University of Brighton on this substantial strategic project.

“Based on our previous experience we know that working with the expertise of the University of Brighton team based in Eastbourne is going to make a massive difference to our business and we’re really looking forward continuing to explore ways to innovate and diversify our offer. We can’t wait to get stuck in!”

 The university currently has two BSc(Hons) Sport Business Management students placed within the business, as part of their degrees, working on different elements of the Source Park’s offer. The KTP is expected to generate additional similar opportunities for students in the near future.