Nick Brooking, University of Hertfordshire Director of Sport commented that the MoU was,“recognition of our intention to work together on this and the longer term relationships around the broader sports development aspects such as coaching, coach education, athlete development, talent ID, cultural and academic possibly e-learning links”.

The specific details of which sports from the British Virgin Islands team will train, and at which particular facilities from those in the partnership is yet to be finalised, and will ultimately be determined by the makeup of the team.

As a small national committee, the British Virgin Islands sent two athletes to compete in Beijing 2008. The country is an British overseas territory with a population of just 22,000 – in comparison with the county of Hertfordshire, whose population exceeds one million.

Dean Greenaway, the secretary general of the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee said: "The British Virgin Islands expect to take part in two sports at the London 2012 Games - athletics and sailing”. He added, "We look forward to this opportunity and the hospitality already extended by Hertfordshire."

The Universityof Hertfordshire's 'Hertfordshire Sports Village' is listed in the official London 2012 pre-Games Training Camp Guide as a host for Olympic disciplines Badminton, Basketball, Fencing, Judo and Wrestling as well as Paralympic disciplines Goalball, Paralympic Judo, Paralympic Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing and Wheelchair Rugby. Nearby Oaklands College is listed in the guide as a centre for Equestrian disciplines. There are a total of 17 training venues in Hertfordshire and they hope to announce more deals with other countries in the near future.

Derrick Ashley, Hertfordshire County Council's champion for the 2012 Games and executive member for planning, said: ""We look forward to welcoming the British Virgin Islands team to Hertfordshire very soon."