Salford Uni teams dream of Manchester FA Cup glory

WEDNESDAY 15^th March saw the first Campus Leagues Super Cup take place at the Salford Sports Village with teams battling for a chance to compete in the Manchester FA University and Colleges Cup.

Six Salford University football teams competed in a group stage and knockout games and Tom Booth, team Salford activator, said: “The Campus League is a programme to encourage student participation in sport.

“It’s an internal league that Salford University students compete in. You can submit your own team and it’s a pretty semi-formal setting so it’s very much fun-based, but it can get very competitive.”

Instead of having the usual 90 minute games, the knockout rounds were just 20 minutes long and the shorter format led to a few surprises.

Booth added: “Some of the other teams that burn out at the end of matches have more of a chance and it’s much more of an open playing field and it has actually, today, proved to be the case.

“We’ve had two teams that were maybe seeded more in the middle that have actually qualified for the final which is exciting.

“The 4^th team, who were expected to come first and on top, ended up dropping out in the group stage so we’ve had lots of surprises, lots of upsets, and lots of screamers. The 4^th team automatically receive a place in the FA Cup, so perhaps that’s why they didn’t feel the stronger team this afternoon.”

A penalty shoot-out took place to qualify for the semi-final between Classic 11 and Team Kent, followed by Classic 11 and Salford Wednesday Afternoon.

Following this, the final was made up of Team Kent and Salford Wednesday Afternoon, with Team Kent coming out on top. And although there had to be a winner, the entire day went down a storm with those involved.

Booth said: “I’d definitely say the day was a success. Me and Andy (Event organiser) were a bit rushed this morning putting nets up, but the sun’s out and it’s been a glorious afternoon so you couldn’t ask for more really.”

Runners up, Salford Wednesday Afternoon, received medals for the players and a small trophy for the captain of the team.

Winners, Team Kent, received medals, a trophy plate, and a place in the Manchester FA University and Colleges Cup.