"I have come from a big distance background, " said Twell, who was speaking at the launch of "Here I am", a Nike-backed campaign to encourage more women to play sport at British universities.

BBC: 'New Paula' targets gold in 2012

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the National Archives would help universities, local authorities and other institutions to improve public access, including putting documents online.

BBC: Leadership role for The National Archives

Unlike virtually every other major college sport, the Football Bowl Subdivision postseason is run by its member conferences and independent member universities, not the NCAA. The agreement with ESPN is subject to "definitive documentation and all necessary approvals, " the release said.

WSJ: ESPN Strikes Deal for College Football Playoff