Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Graduate has designs on Wembley this weekend
Joe Taylor, who graduated this summer with a BA (Hons) degree in Sports Marketing and PR, was approached to design the match ball and Wembley pitch painting to highlight the connection between Leeds Metropolitan's Carnegie brand and the Challenge Cup.
The new ball has been changed from its traditional white colour to reflect the University's purple brand. The ball shown in the image above is a replica ball, however the match ball retains the original design with a slight modification on one of the panels.
Joe commented: "I have played in the Leeds Met rugby league first team and for Ireland student rugby league team so I understand the importance of the design and dynamics of the ball and the need for it to contrast with the pitch and the playing kits of both teams. It is not only important for the players but also for the crowd to be able to see where the ball is live and on television.
"The ball gets a great percentage of the camera shots in the game so by branding the ball it is a useful tool to tell people about the relationship of Carnegie to Leeds Met. I did an internship at Camp America last summer and became a fan of the NFL. Watching the games made me realise the impact that pitch painting can have, adding to the fans' experience on the day and how it translates to the television. This made me think it would be a great opportunity for the university to brand the pitch in this way."
Joe is currently working as an intern for a global events company at the Olympics and Paralympic Games, alongside 62 other students and alumni of Leeds Met.
This is the sixth and final year that Leeds Metropolitan University has been the sponsor of the Challenge Cup, Rugby League's most historic and prestigious competition. The final takes place on Saturday 25 August at Wembley and will see Leeds Rhinos battle it out with Warrington Wolves for the coveted title.