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will-kelly
29th September 2015

Campus Sport: a focus on History FC and Netball

A look at History’s football and netball teams
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History FC

Will Kelly speaks to Dan Bunter

It promises to be a very exciting year ahead for History FC, one of the University of Manchester’s oldest campus football league teams. Having suffered two successive relegations, History FC have stabilised over the last two seasons and will certainly be aiming for promotion this season from Division 2.

It took time for the team to gel last season, resulting in a few early losses but a strong second half of the season led to victories against the second- and third-placed teams in the second round of fixtures, as well as a memorable 3-3 draw against league winners the Islamic Society, featuring two last-minute free-kicks from this year’s captain Dan Bunter.

As captain, Dan Bunter, who is a final year Politics and Modern History student, is very optimistic for the team’s chances this year, and having dislocated his ankle at the end of last season, is particularly keen to get back playing for History FC, whom he joined in his Fresher’s year. History FC also welcomes back former captain Lewis Ryder, who skippered the side in the 2013 – `14 season and is back in Manchester studying a History MA.

The ISSL campus league has five divisions of approximately ten teams from a variety of subject and halls teams. It provides a good level of competitive football in a friendly environment. It certainly ensures a great balance between competitive football and enjoying playing the beautiful game. Alongside league fixtures, which take place on Wednesday afternoons, there are cup and plate competitions taking place on Saturday mornings. Therefore there is plenty of football available across the academic year.

History FC have a strong, although small, returning squad from last year and are looking for new players to make the side into a title-winning team. Players from all subjects are welcome to trial; they are being held on Wednesday 30th September from 4:30 – 6pm at the Armitage Centre astroturf pitches. Please bring £2 to cover costs.

Getting involved in the campus football league is a no-brainer for any football lover at the University of Manchester. History FC have been a regular fixture in the ISSL and are looking forward to a hard-fought, enjoyable and hopefully successful season ahead.

 

History Netball

Will Kelly speaks to Laura Sullivan

“As a team it is important for us to keep the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable. Our training sessions are very relaxed but we do work on our netball skills and match techniques, which we then transfer into a game. We train once a week on Tuesday evenings. We have decided that we won’t be holding any trials to join the team this year because we believe that this discourages people, which is the last thing that we want to do!

“Matches are on Wednesday evenings, everyone gets rotated in and they are always entertaining and enjoyable. Last year the team organised a couple of socials outside of netball and the History society, in order to get to know one another better. This year we hope to improve as a team as well as welcome some new faces. We will be working on our shooting and defensive skills.

“Another aspect I would like to work on is increasing and improving our versatility. This will help the team to understand how positions work together to reach the goal. It will also be helpful if switching position is required. We are hoping to organise a few socials once the semester has started in order to get to know one another better and to introduce the new members. We are looking forward to starting the season and welcoming any new players, as well as hopefully winning some matches.”


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