Ian scores with the Boro ‘Lasses’

University of Teesside student Ian Cole has created a strategy to help Middlesbrough Ladies Football Club (MLFC) achieve their goal of reaching the top. Ian, 22, is from Bexleyheath in Kent. His final year BA (Hons) Design Marketing project focuses on MLFC, who were established 25 years ago.

Ian has re-invented MLFC as the ‘Boro Lasses’. He said: “In three or four year’s time Ladies football is set to go big in the UK, with the probable establishment of a professional league by the Football Association. It’s already the country’s fastest growing sport. So I’ve created a strategy to increase awareness of the Boro Lasses in the North-East, and help create a source of financial income so the club will be ready when their sport hits the big time.”

In addition to the new name, Ian’s campaign also includes a new logo, leaflets, advertising, corporate packaging and business-to-business marketing. He added: “The imagery in my advertising campaign looks to soften football’s stereotypical image, whilst showing that women can play football just as well as men. They are just as competitive and highly skilled. I’ve seen the official Boro team play against Charlton, but I’m still an Arsenal fan!”

Ian is a former pupil of Beths Grammar School and the son of Margaret and Alan Cole. His work will be on display at the University of Teesside’s Design Degree show from Monday 11 June-Thursday 14 June, from 9am-4pm each day. The show is free and open to the public. It will be held in the University’s Main Hall, off the main entrance, near the King Edward’s Square junction with Borough Road, Middlesbrough.

On Saturday 16 June the show moves to Lookers Audi showroom at Mandale Road, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees. The show again will be free and open to the public on Saturday 16 June from 9am-5pm, and on Sunday 17 June from 11am-4pm.

For more details on the Design Degree show at the University contact Helen Smith in the School of Law, Arts & Humanities on 01642 384052. Details on the show at Lookers Audi are available from Simon Ginsberg, Business Development Manager on 01642 603444.

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