The intersection of elite sport and women’s health has taken a significant step forward with a new strategic partnership. Loughborough University, a global leader in sports science and innovation, has named boobydoo its official sports bra partner for both the Loughborough Lightning Netball team and the wider Loughborough Sport campus. This collaboration is more than a sponsorship; it is a commitment to advancing breast health, comfort, and performance for athletes and active women at every level.
This initiative directly supports the mission of Loughborough’s multi-million-pound Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub, which aims to revolutionise the women’s sport ecosystem through cutting-edge research and practical application. By integrating expert sports bra fitting and education into its high-performance environment, Loughborough is addressing a critical yet often overlooked component of athletic gear.
Why the Right Sports Bra is Non-Negotiable for Elite Performance
For athletes in high-impact sports like netball, a sports bra is not an accessory; it is essential protective equipment. The rigorous, multi-directional movements required in elite netball place significant stress on breast tissue. Without adequate support, athletes can experience discomfort, pain, and even long-term tissue damage, all of which can detract from focus and performance.
Vic Burgess, Head Coach of Loughborough Lightning, emphasized the direct link between comfort and competitive edge. “When athletes feel comfortable and confident, it directly impacts their performance and wellbeing,” she stated. “Working together with boobydoo, our players will be better placed to train well, recover well, and continue to compete at the highest level.”
The partnership ensures that every player on the three-time Netball Super League champions’ roster has access to professional, personalized sports bra fitting services. This moves beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, guaranteeing that each athlete selects the correct support level and style for her specific body and training demands.
Bridging the Gap Between Elite Sport and Everyday Activity
While the partnership provides elite-level support for the Lightning squad, its impact extends across the entire Loughborough Sport community. boobydoo will serve as the official sports bra fitting and retail partner for the university campus, offering comprehensive education and fitting days for all staff and students.
This inclusive approach ensures that every woman on campus—from competitive athletes to recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts—can access the same professional expertise. The initiative provides exclusive offers and a wide range of high-performing sports bra brands, making informed choices about breast health accessible to all.
Charly Rhodes, Director of Sports Brands at boobydoo, highlighted the dual focus of the collaboration: “Not only are we supporting the elite netball athletes with unparalleled product choice and informed education, but we’re also creating long-term breast health impact with the wider Loughborough Sport community of active women, from hobbyist to professional level.”
The Science Behind the Partnership: Aligning with Research and Innovation
This partnership is strategically aligned with Loughborough’s research-driven approach to sport. The Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub is dedicated to creating evidence-based solutions for the unique challenges faced by female athletes. By partnering with a specialist like boobydoo, Loughborough is translating academic research into tangible, real-world benefits.
The collaboration will provide valuable data and insights into the relationship between sports bra fit, comfort, and athletic performance. This information can inform future research and contribute to a broader understanding of women’s sports health, potentially influencing best practices across the sporting world.
Key Benefits of the Loughborough-boobydoo Partnership
- Personalized Fitting Services: Professional fittings for Loughborough Lightning athletes and campus-wide fitting days for staff and students.
- Expert Education: Tailored workshops on breast health, the importance of proper fit, and selecting the right sports bra for different activities.
- Access to Premium Products: A curated selection of high-performance sports bras from leading brands, ensuring quality and choice.
- Support for All Levels: Services designed to benefit elite athletes, recreational sport participants, and anyone leading an active lifestyle.
- Contribution to Research: The partnership supports the goals of the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
A Model for the Future of Women’s Sport
The Loughborough University and boobydoo partnership sets a new standard for how sports organizations can address the specific health needs of female athletes. It moves beyond traditional sponsorship to create a holistic support system that prioritizes long-term wellbeing alongside peak performance.
By investing in specialized equipment and education, Loughborough is demonstrating a commitment to creating an environment where women can thrive. This model of collaboration between academic institutions, elite teams, and specialist brands has the potential to drive meaningful change across the sports industry, ensuring that women’s health is integrated into the core of athletic preparation and participation.
For active women, this partnership serves as a powerful reminder: the right support is foundational to performance and health. Whether you are competing at the highest level or enjoying a weekend run, investing in a properly fitted sports bra is a critical step in your athletic journey.
Discover the importance of proper fit and explore high-performance options for your training. Learn more about sports bra fitting and education with boobydoo and take the next step in supporting your active lifestyle.
Are you a student or staff member at Loughborough? Explore the sports facilities and programs available through Loughborough Sport and see how you can get involved.
Share your experiences with finding the right sports bra in the comments below. What difference has proper support made in your training or daily activity?
