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Students compete in FA People’s Cup
28/03/2017
University of Wolverhampton students were given a taste of the FA Cup journey when they took part in a national football competition.
The FA People’s Cup is a national 5 a-side football competition, providing an opportunity for male and females to complete across 10 different categories.
This year saw the introduction of a higher education (HE) category, and for the first time, universities across the UK were able to compete for the chance to lift the FA People’s Cup.
The Sports Development Team at the University’s Institute of Sport held a tournament and the winners ‘Wolves FC’ took part in the semi-finals last week in Leicester. They played well but unfortunately lost three out of their four games.
The HE category aimed to increase participation in sport for students by following the journey of the FA Cup. People who are already members of university teams are not able to take part, allowing informal and/or recreational players to play in a national competition.
The University’s team were filmed by the BBC and will feature in coverage of the competition in the future.
Daniel Fox, one of the University’s Volunteer Football Activators, said: “Despite the loss the boys played really well and gave a good account of themselves - it was a pleasure to manage them through it.
“In my opinion the FA People’s Cup is a fantastic idea and has opened up opportunities for those that enjoy football but that are not in their university football team. It has also given them first-hand experience of competing in different formats of football; group stages and regional knock-outs as well as the opportunity to go to Wembley.”
The Higher Education category aimed to create a participation opportunity for students through the journey of the FA Cup, to inspire and reengage individuals in football through informal opportunities. It provides an opportunity for the informal and/or recreational player to play in a national competition, whilst coming up against other universities across regional semi-finals and a national final to be crowned the Higher Education FA People’s Cup champions.
Lee Warren, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Football Development Coordinator, added: “I am delighted the University of Wolverhampton took up the opportunity to participate in the FA People’s Cup, providing the recreational and informal participant with an opportunity to live the journey on the FA Cup through the FA People’s Cup. It was great to see the number of students, from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, come together to compete in a friendly and positive environment - this shows the power football can play in uniting student communities for a common purpose.”
Winners will experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to receive their trophies on the pitch at Wembley Stadium during The Emirates FA Cup Final.
ENDS
Pic: The University’s Wolves FC team who took part in the FA People’s Cup
For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736 or 01902 518647.
Date Issued: Tuesday, 28 March 2017
For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.
