Cambridge University Association Football League
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Founded | 19th Century |
| President John Little |
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| Chairman Jamie Aspinall |
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The Cambridge University Association Football League (CUAFL) is the governing body of football in the University of Cambridge in England.
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Modern football was developed on the playing fields of public schools and universities in the late 19th Century, thus it is only natural that the University of Cambridge should have a flourishing football league. It is because of this early influence on the game that The FA granted the university a seat on The FA Council, a position retained to this day. This gives Cambridge University county status (separate from Cambridgeshire), with the same voice in English football's governing body as such associations as London, the Army and Women's football.
[edit] History
[edit] Origins of collegiate football
Football in Cambridge was being played on Parker's Piece as far back as the 1830s. However it was not until 1855 that the University had a formal football club, Cambridge University Association Football Club, making it one the oldest club in the world. Collegiate football helped spread the game in the 1870s, and the first competition for these teams was held in 1882-1883. The format was a knockout tournament based on the FA Challenge Cup, which had been created in 1871. The first entrants included nine colleges (Caius, St. John's, Clare, St. Catharine's, Pembroke, Sidney, Jesus, King's and Trinity Hall) and three old boys sides (Old Harrovians, Trinity Etonians and Trinity Rest). It is likely that the university, quick to follow The FA in hosting a cup competition, also soon followed the idea of William McGregor, the founder of The Football League, by creating the Cambridge University Association Football League.
[edit] The Modern Era
In the 21st century, CUAFL is in an extremely healthy state. In the 2007-2008 season, 31 clubs and 75 teams entered CUAFL competitions. This means that at least 800 people play college football each season, however this is a very conservative estimate.
[edit] Competitions
CUAFL organises eight divisions and three cup competitions:
- Divisions 1-6, 7 North and 7 South
- CUAFL Cuppers
- CUAFL Plate
- CUAFL Shield
- CUAFL Vase
[edit] Division 1 Winners
An asterisk indicates that the team won the double of the League and Cuppers in that year.
| Season | Champions |
|---|---|
| 1992-1993 | Trinity |
| 1993-1994 | Anglia University |
| 1994-1995 | Downing |
| 1995-1996 | Fitzwilliam |
| 1996-1997 | Downing |
| 1997-1998 | Girton |
| 1998-1999 | Fitzwilliam |
| 1999-2000 | Jesus |
| 2000-2001 | St. Catharine's* |
| 2001-2002 | Fitzwilliam |
| 2002-2003 | St. John's* |
| 2003-2004 | Girton |
| 2004-2005 | Fitzwilliam |
| 2005-2006 | Churchill |
| 2006-2007 | Churchill |
| 2007-2008 | Trinity |
[edit] CUAFL People
CUAFL President: Dr John Little
| Year | Chairman |
|---|---|
| 2001-2002 | Chris Palmer |
| 2002-2003 | Rod Latham |
| 2003-2004 | Will Jobling |
| 2004-2005 | Martyn Race |
| 2005-2006 | Martyn Race |
| 2006-2007 | Bob Myhill |
| 2007-2008 | Jamie Aspinall |
[edit] External links
- Cambridge University Association Football League
- University of Cambridge
- University of Cambridge Sport
