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Students offer marketing plan boost to Bradford Bulls

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A group of University of Bradford students presented their ideas to further broaden the appeal of a rugby league club as part of a marketing project.

A group of students and academics stand in front of a big screen which has two other students on a video call

For their Interactive Services Marketing module, students from the university’s BSc Marketing, Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Human Resource Management courses were tasked with creating a marketing strategy that looked to further promote Bradford Bulls to the public.

The students’ marketing plans included ways to increase Bulls’ visibility, propose recommendations on partnerships between the university and the club, boost diversity within the club’s fanbase and increase activities on matchdays. 

Rewarding experience 

The participating students, who presented the findings of their marketing plans to Ian Stafford, Bradford Bulls Commercial Manager, said it was rewarding to be involved in the project.

Student Hadia Arain said: “I really enjoyed presenting for the Bradford Bulls, it was great to share my ideas and to look at other student's perspectives. 

“I look forward to seeing the Bradford Bulls implement the proposed marketing strategies into their business.”

Student Aleksandra Brzyskiewicz said: “I am very grateful that I had this opportunity, and I am also pleased that a few of my ideas will be implemented into the Bradford Bulls marketing plan strategy.”

Student Ines Monel said: “Participating in the Bradford Bulls marketing project was a rewarding experience. 

“It allowed me to develop a targeted strategy to engage Generation Z and deepened my understanding of sports marketing issues. 

“This experience enabled me to acquire practical knowledge that will be beneficial for my future projects.”

Student Iqra Bibi said: “Researching and planning to help Bradford Bulls marketing strategy has been a useful and enjoyable experience for myself.”

A group of people stand together high up in the stands of a sports stadium with its pitch in the background

Dr Oluwaseun Olabode, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Assistant Professor of Marketing and International Business at the University of Bradford, said: “The students presented well-researched and detailed marketing strategy ideas, partnership strategy ideas, and insightful recommendations on match-day activities, and physical facilities maximisation for Bradford Bulls. 

“I am looking forward to working with Ian, the wider Bradford Bulls team, and colleagues at the University of Bradford as we now begin to implement some of the strategic recommendations.”

The project kicked off in February 2024 when a group of 60 final year undergraduate students went to the club’s home, Bartercard Odsal Stadium, to learn more about the Bulls and their history. 

Mr Stafford said: “On behalf of everyone at Bradford Bulls, I'd like to express my sincere thanks to Aleksandra, Hadia, Ines and Iqra for presenting such a detailed marketing plan on how we could increase our diversity within our fanbase, improve our social media reach and better integrate within the University of Bradford. 

“The creative solutions presented were outstanding, several of which I have already shared within the club.”