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5 Jun 2007 12:46:46
The University of Bedfordshire has been hitting the football headlines in Malaysia with the return of its popular ‘Futsal’ tournament.
The second Futsal competition took place in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpa, with sixteen teams competing for the Bedfordshire trophy. These included its partner colleges LimKokWing, Help University College and Cyberlynx International College.
Last year the five-a-side tournament helped raise funds and awareness for the victims of the Asian tsunami. This year the focus was on the 50th anniversary celebrations of the State of Malaysia, which coincided with the event.
International Director, Steve Stephens said: “It was timely that the tournament was held during the 50th anniversary celebrations, so it was all the more special for those taking part.
“There was a great turn out from our partner colleges after the success of last year’s event. Football is one sport that seems to be enjoyed across the world and that was certainly the case in Kuala Lumpa. It’s a great way to raise our profile overseas and build new partnerships.”
Those who took part received a University T-shirt and baseball cap. Medals and prize money were awarded to both the winners, and runners up, with the winning team having their name inscribed on the Bedfordshire trophy.
Cyberlynx, the University of Bedfordshire’s official representative for Malaysia and South East Asia, organised the event.
Next year the University hopes to send teams from Luton and Bedford to the tournament.
Closer to home, the University’s own football team has returned from a specially-organised football tour of Spain’s Catalonia region. The team played two games against semi-professional football teams Canet FC and CD Blanes.
Team captain and manager, Patrick Mabena said: “This was a great opportunity for us to practice and develop our football skills. Cesc Fabregas, the Arsenal midfielder, plied his trade at FC Canet when he was growing up, so we knew the level of competition we would be facing.
“The ground was very hard, but we still played well and enjoyed taking part. We wore our University t-shirts and badges everywhere we went and all the locals were asking us about Luton, Bedford and the University. Before we left, we presented the teams with University trophies.
“We will be looking to visit Greece and Cyprus next year to give us more experience and continue raising awareness of sport in Bedfordshire.”
The tour was sponsored by the University of Bedfordshire Students’ Union, the Development and Alumni Relations Office and Bairstow Eves Estate Agents in Luton.
For more details on the range of Sports courses offered within the Division of Sport, call the University of Bedfordshire on 01234 400400
Latest news» 2007» June» Football proves to be a language for all at uni tournaments
