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Varsity
Keele University's Athletic Union plays an annual multi-sports series against our local rivals at Staffordshire University. We call it Varsity and it is the event of the sporting season!
If you enjoy sport – or you enjoyed sport at Keele – or even if you just want to support “ours” against “theirs”, put Varsity in your diary.
Growing from just one sport in 2001 to five in 2007, Keele and Staffordshire went head-to-head in thirteen sports in 2009 and the event continues to grow each year.
Varsity is normally held in March with the final contest - Men's Football - traditionally held at the Newcastle Town F.C. ground in Trent Vale.
The two Universities alternate to host the event on at their sports venues.
The Rich McPartlin Trophy
The Varsity Football match between Keele University and Staffordshire University was founded by coach Keith Harrison and 1st team Football captain Rich McPartlin (2001).
Dan Little (2001) tells how it came about: "The inaugural Keele v Staffordshire Varsity match was started in 2001 by KUFC Coach Keith Harrison and Richard McPartlin, the then Keele 1st Team Football Captain. With the support of Newcastle Town FC, they succeeded in achieving their vision for an annual event in aid of local Trentham children’s charity, The Donna Louise Trust. Tragically Rich was killed that September after graduation in a car accident so the coveted man of the match trophy, awarded in his name, remains a proud legacy at the event he helped to create. With the success of the Varsity, Rugby and hockey games soon joined in subsequent years, with the football match remaining the evening finale to the event, which now includes 13 sports and is still growing!"
Richard Morton (2001) adds: "A few months after graduation Rich died in a car accident on his way to a reunion with fellow footballers at Keele. Rich did a huge amount for Keele FC and the AU generally; he really turned the football club around on and off the pitch. Part of his amazing work was to establish the Varsity match in aid of the Donna Louise Trust children's hospice in Trentham."
Read the full story of the Founding of Varsity.
Rich McPartlin's shirt is displayed in the Sports Centre and his shirt number has been retired.
The next will be on March 20th 2013
For more information email the Vice-President (Sport & Fitness)
The usual facilities of the Students Union are in operation and full regulations for the venue apply.
Past Results
2012 At Keele
Winners: Keele University 12-5
2011 At Staffordshire
Winners: Keele University
2010 At Keele
Winners: Keele University
2009 At Staffordshire
Winners: Staffordshire University
2008 At Keele
Winners: Keele University
2007 At Staffordshire
Winners: Staffordshire University
