UniSQ and Jets partnership soars to new heights

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) has boosted its support for the Ipswich Jets, becoming the foundation naming rights partner of the Jets BMD Premiership women’s rugby league team.

Director of High-Performance Sport (School of Health and Medical Sciences) Professor Stephen Bird said the establishment of the BMD Premiership team was a historic moment for the Jets, and the University was delighted to be part of it.

“UniSQ has been a long-time supporter of Jets Netball, and we are proud to take our relationship with the Jets to even greater heights,” Professor Bird said.

“Partnering with the Jets BMD Premiership team in their inaugural season gives us a great opportunity to celebrate and highlight women in sport while also making a positive impact in the community by inspiring, empowering, and raising student aspirations across the region.”

Jets CEO Richard Hughes said the club was proud to have UniSQ on board as a key partner in 2025.

“UniSQ’s support of both our BMD Premiership women’s team and Jets Netball reflects a shared commitment to excellence, opportunity, and community,” he said.

At the core of the partnership is the Education Aspiration program, which will see UniSQ and the Jets collaborate on school and community outreach, using sport as a vehicle to promote education and aspiration.

“The Education Aspiration program, in particular, is a game-changer, giving our athletes real pathways to further their education and career goals while pursuing elite sport,” Mr Hughes said.

“It also allows our athletes to stand side-by-side with UniSQ and share their aspirational journey to the next generation.

“It’s a partnership that empowers our players both on and off the field, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together.”

The collaboration also opens new research opportunities, which strategically support UniSQ’s commitment to enhancing its sporting expertise and contributing to the legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games through its role on the Queensland Universities Games Engagement Committee.

The Jets face the Brisbane Tigers in their first home game of the season on Sunday 29 June.

Have a passion for sport, exercise, health or fitness? With a combination of sports and exercise courses, professional placements with our Exercise Physiology Clinic and a chance to develop practical skills in our Strength and Conditioning Centre and research laboratories, UniSQ’s sport and exercise science degrees can prepare you for a career in the rapidly expanding health, sports and fitness industry. Find out more.