The University of Edinburgh Sport has today announced a ground-breaking three-year partnership with sports hydration brand Grilla, in one of the largest commercial deals ever secured in UK higher education sport. The multi-year agreement, worth a significant six-figure commitment, will see investment flow into University of Edinburgh Sport, strengthening the student sport experience, expanding access and supporting performance at every level from Active Lives through to Performance Sport. As part of the agreement, Grilla’s partnership will directly impact a number of Sports Clubs who are invested in the partnership as well as supporting scholarships and athlete development programmes, helping to attract and nurture the next generation of sporting talent at Edinburgh. The deal marks a milestone for both parties, aligning a leading Russell Group institution with a rapidly growing consumer brand and setting a new benchmark for innovation in university sport partnerships. The partnership comes just a week after Grilla announced its partnership with the largest participation sports body in the world, the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYS).Speaking on the announcement, University of Edinburgh Director of Sport & Active Health Mark Munro commented, This is a transformational moment for sport at the University of Edinburgh. Our partnership with Grilla is not only one of the most significant commercial deals ever in UK university sport, but also one that will directly benefit our students, from grassroots participation to elite performance. We are proud to be working with such an innovative partner to grow opportunity, access and excellence in university sport. John Smith-Howell, Managing Director and one of Grilla’s founders added: Grilla is all about energy, ambition and performance all of which are values we see reflected every day at the University of Edinburgh. We are thrilled to partner with one of the UK’s most prestigious universities to support student athletes, clubs and facilities, and to help fuel success both on and off the field. This landmark partnership positions the University of Edinburgh as a sector leader in sporting innovation and investment, reaffirming its commitment to creating an environment where every student can thrive through sport. Media contact: Greg McEwan, University of EdinburghEmail: gmcewan2@ed.ac.ukMobile: 07392086383 This article was published on 2025-08-21
