LEICESTER boss Jen Crossland admits she is “delighted” to team up with HG Aerospace for the Lion Cubs.
The East Midlands club finished second in the WRSA National Development League last season.
But Crossland has been eager to step up their investment in the next generation of riders.
HG Aerospace are the perfect fit with their own academy which has been running at the Lydd circuit. Now it is also be established at the Hydroscand Arena alongside that set-up in 2027.
Crossland said: “I think everyone knows my passion for getting a proper youth development in place with the Lion Cubs.
“When you consider how fantastic Dan and Joe Thompson have been and they started out here as kids.
“British speedway needs more and more young British riders coming through. Neil Vatcher does a great job with the British Youth Championship but we need more numbers.
“HG Aerospace already invest heavily in their own Academy and it was the perfect partnership for Leicester and we are delighted to work with them.
“The great thing now is that with the HG Aerospace Lion Cubs, we can hopefully kick on and bring more riders through for the club.”
HG Aerospace Managing Director Michael Gray is equally delighted to link up with Leicester.
He added: “It felt like the natural progression for our Academy. We’ve worked hard to build it up with around 30 youngsters now on our programme.
“The partnership with Leicester means we now have a direct link to a club should any riders show the progress.
“We have a great relationship with Jen and we are very much on the same page when it comes to how help the young riders progress.
“We are really confident this is going to be a huge success for Leicester and HG Aerospace going forward.
“HG already has links with Try Speedway premier training, and we’re pleased that this relationship will continue into 2027. We look forward to building on the connection and supporting the programme in the year ahead.”
