Two weeks in, and already the College Cup has sprung up excitement, controversy and discussion in equal measure. One of the major talking points has been over the composition of the Cup.
It was decided that all 1sts, 2nds and 3rds teams from each of the eight colleges would automatically qualify for the group stages. This meant Langwith 3rds received a place, at the expense of 4ths teams, like Halifax 4ths (who played in last year’s competition). The knockouts have been expanded to incorporate 4ths and 5ths teams.
The results of the opening week did little to allay criticism, as Langwith 3rds were embarrassed 9-0 against James 2nds. Still, a 1-1 draw with Halifax 3rds last week suggested that they deserved their place in the competition after all.
The issue lies with the structure of college football. Langwith were far from the whipping boys of the college 3rds league this year. But in the College Cup, teams must name squads of 14 which have to be adhered to. Many 3rds teams have squads in the College Cup which are unrecognisable from those which competed in the 3rds league.
Creating a system of qualification based on autumn and spring term results would be unfair because colleges often field teams far stronger than they would be able to in the College Cup; there are no rules to stop them from doing so. For this reason, it is important that more strict rules on players should be brought in to college football.
Crossovers between teams should be limited like they are in the College Cup.
Bringing in rules would mean results more fairly reflect the footballing strengths of colleges, while also improving the continuity week-to-week and increasing inclusion in college football.
As a regular for Alcuin 3rds, I have seen our team develop over the last two years. Traditionally one of the weaker teams in college football, we were the only 3rds team to pick up a point against a non-3rds team in the first two weeks.
This all comes from the fact that the team we are fielding in the College Cup is almost identical to the one which turned out on a weekly basis in autumn and spring terms. Next year, it is an absolute must that crossovers between squads are restricted in these terms.
It would legitimise the 3rds league, and improve the competitiveness of the College Cup.