A game of two halves to kick off Staff vs Student series

The first event of the series was a fun and competitive game of football at the Sport and Rugby Institute on the Manawatū campus.

The teams had the opportunity to play against each other on the freshly re-developed training pitch that will host the Spanish Women’s Football Team during the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup™.

Up for grabs was the coveted Staff vs Students football trophy, which was last contested in 2018 and has been held by the Staff team after a one-all match that was won by a penalty shoot-out.

The energy for the game was high, with the teams being evenly matched. By half time, the staff team were comfortably in the lead, holding a two-nil scoreline, but soon began to feel the pressure of their younger counterparts, all of whom currently play football.

As the second half of the match progressed, the student team managed to score three goals with staff only securing one, leading to a three-goal draw. The tied score was enough to see staff keep hold of the trophy until the next event.

Following the match, the teams enjoyed light refreshments and the chance to mingle. They also learned more about the work that has gone into the pitch renovations and what will be happening in the space when the Spanish team arrive.

Sport Advancement Coordinator Chris Sharrock says restarting the Staff vs Students series has been well overdue.

“It was a wonderful occasion and great to have so many staff and tauira involved. We have another three events planned for 2023, which will provide staff with the opportunity to get active, have some fun and get one back on their students.”

The plans for future Staff vs Student matches will include an event on both the Auckland and Wellington campuses plus another event in Manawatū.