Keele hosts first international football festival

Keele hosted the first International Football Festival during July and August, welcoming
over 280 teams and 6000 players and spectators to Keele University’s sports centre.
Teams from 19 different countries attended representing Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Spain, Norway, Sweden, USA, Saudi Arabia, Columbia, Peru, Russia, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Eire.

The tournament attracted a whole variety of football clubs including an elite range of Premiership youth and ladies teams from numerous professional clubs including the current Women’s FA Cup holders Everton, Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Coventry City, Blackpool, Port Vale, Watford and Manchester City. The tournament proved to be a great success for Stoke City, Crewe Alexandra and Stafford Rangers ladies team who all picked up trophies, along with Port Vale and Chase Town in the Junior Pro Youth tournament.   

Teams took full advantage of the University’s accommodation and catering facilities which were provided in Comus and Keele Hall. Nearby tourist attractions Alton Towers and Waterworld were popular destinations for many of the teams while the University’s own Students Union was a great location for evening socializing. David Shepherd, Tournament Director said “Keele University is an outstanding sporting venue, in a wonderful location. Its offers excellent onsite accommodation, and is backed up by an outstanding event support team”.