TeamBath footballers aim to make amends for Arsenal’s defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final when they take on Spanish University side Alicante on Tuesday (23rd May). The two university sides first met in November when TeamBath FC travelled to the University of Alicante to play for the Friendship Cup (Copa de la Amistad) for the first time. The match was the beginning of a sporting collaboration between the two universities, which already have strong academic links.

The trip proved extremely successful both on and off the pitch. TeamBath won the trophy, beating Alicante 2–0, and they aim retain it at the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village on Tuesday night.

“Quite a few English teams have come unstuck at the hands of Spanish opposition this season, so we’re aiming to do our bit by putting things right on Tuesday night,” said Ged Roddy, Director of Sport at the University of Bath.

“On a serious note, the visit is a great opportunity to build on our links with our counterparts in Spain, and it will be excellent to see the players and coaching staff from Alicante again,” he added.

The University of Alicante team arrive in Bath on Monday (22nd May) morning and will stay until Thursday. As well as playing the match they will also be taken on a tour of the city of Bath and of the state–of–the–art sports facilities at the University of Bath.

Paul Tisdale, TeamBath FC head coach, said: “We really enjoyed the match in Alicante, which was a terrific experience for the players. We’re looking forward to the return fixture. The games are being played in a true sporting spirit and it will have an added dimension because it is our last game of the season, so it may be the last matches for some of our students who are graduating.”

The big match kicks off at 7.30pm at the Sports Training Village and entry is FREE from 6pm onwards. There will be a BBQ on the terrace overlooking the pitch and an after party at Moles nightclub with a £1 off entry for anyone attending the game.

The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its TeamBath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.

For further information please contact the TeamBath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com