The University of Warwick will play a vital role in the 2012 Olympic Games when the city of Coventry plays host to the Games Football matches.

The London 2012 Organising Committee has announced that The Ricoh Arena, home of Coventry City Football Club, will be the new Midlands venue to host the Olympic Football matches and the University of Warwick will provide training and residential facilities for the Olympic teams.

Football teams from all over the world will practice on pitches on the Gibbet Hill campus and the players will also use one of the University’s award-winning conference centres.

Coventry overcame some stiff competition from Birmingham, Leicester and Derby to win the Olympic Games bid.

University of Warwick Vice Chancellor Professor Nigel Thrift said he was delighted that City had been successful in bringing these teams to Coventry.

He said: “This is great news for the city and the University. We are delighted that the University of Warwick’s superb sporting and conference facilities were able to play a key role in helping to bring these Olympic football teams to Coventry.

"As a University we have significant experience in hosting large international sporting events and a particular experience in hosting football training and support for UK football managers operating at the highest levels of the game.”

The Ricoh Arena will be temporarily re-named the City of Coventry Stadium for the London 2012 Olympic Games and all other branding will be removed at Games time.

Notes to editors

For more information contact Kelly Parkes-Harrison, Communications Manager, k.e.parkes@warwick.ac.uk, 02476 150483, 07824 540863