Fresh from promotion, Team Solent set their sights on the Southampton Senior Cup
Team Solent FC, Southampton Solent University’s football team, is hoping to make it a hat-trick when they play Hamble in the Southampton Senior Cup final on 29 April at St Mary’s Stadium.
Having won the cup twice before, and fresh from winning the Sydenham Division One League, Team Solent FC are hoping to lift the Southampton Senior Cup trophy again.
Their 1-0 victory against Ringwood this week means they will start next season in the Sydenham Premier League, the highest league a university-based team can reach under current FA regulations, making them a strong contender for the Senior Cup.
“This has been an amazing achievement by the lads, and they’ve had a great season,” says James Taylor, Team Solent FC manager.
“We lost the first three games but have turned it around and won the league, thanks to a special effort by the lads.”
Currently the largest sports club at Solent University, Team Solent FC has four teams, two of which compete in the BUCS League Western conference 2A. The first team is part of the Sydenham Football League (Wessex), and the reserve team plays in the Wyvern League.
The hugely successful team have a number of former Premier League academy players who are now studying at Solent, thanks to an innovative partnership between a small number of UK universities and the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).
Team Solent FC captain, Chris Wateridge, says: “I believe the PFA players are key to our squad. In addition to their experience of playing at a professional level, their ability has definitely strengthened our squad this season. For the rest of us, they inspire us to raise our game and give that bit extra.”
Impressed with the team’s performance this season, Team Solent Chairman Bill Moore, says: “Strong mental approach, endeavour, willingness to compete, aligned with ability, has been a key feature of our play this season.”
The team are looking forward to one of their biggest matches to date at the home of Southampton Football Club, St Mary’s Stadium, on Wednesday 29 April. Kick-off is 7.30pm and tickets are available on the gates for £10. Come and show your support for the home side!
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8201 3079 or press.office@solent.ac.uk
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The University was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2014 poll of students. Solent Business School has been awarded the Small Business Charter Award, which is supported by the Association of Business Schools and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and ‘gold approval’ by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
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