The Bedford Independent is extending its support of Bedford Blues by sponsoring women’s team player Alivia Usher-Harris for the 2026/27 season.

Alivia is a hooker for the squad and has been part of the Bedford Blues Women‘s setup since 2021.

The team recently kicked off their Championship Two campaign with victories over Sheffield and a 66-5 thrashing of Birmingham Moseley, following another title success in last season’s NC1 East campaign.

This sponsorship highlights the publication’s continued commitment to supporting local sport at all levels.

Speaking of the sponsorship, Alivia Usher-Harris said: “I am really grateful to be sponsored by Bedford Independent this season.

“Their support and coverage of our squad in previous years has always been appreciated.

“We’ve had a promising start to our first season at Championship Two level so far, but we know there’s a long journey ahead. Please come along and support us.”

Sporting coverage

The Bedford Independent is currently the only local news desk reporting directly from rugby games at Goldington Road and the world of non-league football at both Bedford Town FC and Real Bedford FC.

The sports team often publishes match reports just minutes after the final whistle.

This new backing of Alivia extends the official partnership with Bedford Blues and Goldington Road, and sits alongside their support for Bedford Town FC and Bedfordshire County Cricket Club.

Support for sport

But the coverage on our pages helps the newspaper’s support for sport extend much further.

Volunteer sports editor, Tom Carr, leads a dedicated team of community contributors. Together they also ensure regular reports on Bedford Athletic and Bedford Hockey Club matches, and even stretch as far as the Veterans game in rugby union.

The publication also celebrates local success in a multitude of other sports, including golf, boxing, cricket, and even Tug of War, in a clear, different direction from most other local publishers, many of whom do not attend sporting events live.

“We feel proud, excited and privileged to support one of Bedford’s sporting stars in this way,” said Julia Course, commercial director of Progress Publishing, the company behind the Bedford Independent.

“Original, independent journalism means being right there on the touchline with our community. Alivia and the whole squad are doing brilliant things on the pitch, and we are thrilled to be backing them this season.”

Bedford Blues Women are back at Goldington Road this Sunday (18 October), hosting Lincoln Ladies in their third league game of the season.

The clash kicks off at 2pm; tickets are available here.