Cambridge University Association Football League

Founded	19th Century
President John Little
Chairman Martyn Race

The Cambridge University Association Football League (CUAFL) is the governing body of football in the University of Cambridge.

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.

History

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, making it one of the oldest clubs 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.

The Modern Era

In the 21st century, CUAFL is in an extremely healthy state. In the 2005-2006 season, 30 clubs and 74 teams entered CUAFL competitions. This means that at least 800 people play college football each season, however this is a very conservative estimate. The new season will also see the first year that all member clubs will be officially affiliated to CUAFL, and hence The FA.

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

League 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

External links

Sports governing bodies of the United Kingdom | County Football Associations | Clubs_and_societies_of_the_University_of_Cambridge