Fexillon Partners with DBS to Launch Sports Scholarship Programme and Sponsor Cricket Team

At the heart of the collaboration is a focus on empowering student athletes. The programme provides financial and developmental support to help students excel in their chosen sport while pursuing academic success. It also emphasises leadership, teamwork, and holistic development, equipping scholars for success both on and off the field.

Alan O’Neill, HR Director at Fexillon, said: “This partnership builds on a decade of successful collaboration with DBS through our educational programme. Both Fexillon and DBS share a strong culture of diversity, inclusion, and empowering individuals to achieve their potential. Together, we are paving pathways for talented individuals to excel in academics, sports, and beyond.”

A DECADE OF COLLABORATION

Fexillon’s relationship with DBS began in 2012 through an innovative educational partnership. This model has provided students with internship opportunities leading to full-time roles, work permits, and citizenship support. Today, 30% of Fexillon’s Irish team, including four senior management members, have come through the DBS partnership, underscoring the programme’s success.

“The partnership with DBS has been incredibly beneficial for both organisations,” said George Harold, Co-Founder & CEO of Fexillon. “It’s a natural progression to extend this collaboration to sports. We wish the DBS cricket team the best for the season ahead and take immense pride in the contributions of Junaid Riaz, a former DBS student and now a valued member of our team, who will lead the cricket squad this year.”

SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP LAUNCH AND LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

The partnership was officially launched at a special event on 29 November at DBS. The event celebrated the sponsorship of the DBS cricket team with a presentation of new jerseys to the 2024/25 team. Irish cricket captain Andrew Balbirnie delivered an inspiring talk on “Lessons in Leadership Through Sport,” drawing on his extensive experience leading Ireland’s national team.

DBS Cricket Club has enjoyed significant recent success, winning two championships last month: the DCU Varsity Tournament, hosted by Dublin City University, and the DBS Cricket Cup, organised by DBS. Both tournaments featured university teams from across Ireland, highlighting the club’s growing prominence in university cricket. Additionally, DBS Cricket Club holds the title of National Champions of Indoor Cricket at university level in Ireland.



“We are delighted to work closely with Fexillon on this very exciting partnership,” said Shane Mooney, DBS Head of Student Experience. “Fexillon’s support creates a unique opportunity for our student athletes to represent DBS competitively while developing critical skills in leadership and teamwork. This partnership will further strengthen our presence in the sporting community and inspire our students to excel.”

The event also paid tribute to Andrew Mulligan, a retired DBS careers coach who played a pivotal role in the success of the Fexillon-DBS educational partnership. Mulligan’s contributions were acknowledged by speakers from both organisations, highlighting his impact on student pathways and professional development.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

The partnership sees Fexillon stepping into an active role in the management of the DBS cricket team. Fexillon Manager and DBS alumnus Junaid Riaz will captain the team while also serving on the DBS Sports Council. Additionally, Fexillon HR Director Alan O’Neill will lend his expertise to the cricket club’s management, strengthening ties between the organisation and the DBS sporting community.

“This partnership is a testament to the shared commitment of DBS and Fexillon to empowering students to thrive in challenging environments,” said Adam Crowther, DBS Student Services Manager. “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Fexillon and look forward to building a successful future together—on and off the field.”

This partnership between Fexillon and Dublin Business School reflects a shared commitment to innovation, empowerment, and excellence. By combining academic and athletic opportunities with real-world experience, the collaboration sets a new standard for holistic student development, creating pathways to success both within and beyond the classroom.