Oriel College men’s football team promoted

Following a year of consistent commitment and structured training, Oriel men’s football team is now celebrating the positive outcomes of their dedication. After experiencing relegation last season due to insufficient player numbers and difficulties fielding a complete team, captain Carlo Alberto Chieli (2nd year, Classics) recognised the need for change in Michaelmas 2024.

“Football is a strong passion of mine and has always been. I knew that we had to change things around this year. So, we organised trainings, asked for more commitment from our players and made it more structured. We also planned more social events around the games so that our supporters increase and people actually turn out to watch us play,” said Chieli.

The cyclical nature of college football required Chieli to rely on incoming freshers to replace graduating players. Fortunately, a strong cohort from Chieli’s year combined with a dedicated group of freshers ensured that the squad was adequately replenished.

“I had a strong core committee of me, my two vice-captains: Axel Blakey (2nd year, German) and Robert Adams (2nd year, Classics), and social secretary Jude Morgan (2nd year, History). Adams was also our kit designer. The four of us formed the underlying strong structure and being friends outside of the pitch also really helped us motivate each other,” Chieli explained.

The team’s efforts clearly yielded results; they finished the league season undefeated except for one match, scoring the highest number of goals, conceding the fewest and securing the best goal difference in their division. This impressive record earned them promotion from the third to the second division. Furthermore, the team reached the quarter-finals of Cuppers, where they were eliminated in a 1-4 defeat against St Peter’s, a team from the university’s premier division.

The Oxford University inter-college league comprises four divisions: Premier, First, Second and Third with two teams being promoted / relegated each year in each division. The league encompasses over 110 teams and 1,500 players, making football the largest participation sport at the university.

 “I am an Oriel enthusiast, I take a lot pride in the college I represent. I think that also came across in my pep talks and encouraging the team to do their best, which translated to proper enthusiasm across the team to represent the college and honour the name of Oriel,” says Chieli

Looking forward, Chieli remains optimistic yet realistic: “I hope we get promoted again next year so we are in the first division. I would also like to give our best shot at Cuppers again. Perhaps we can even aim higher, I am not saying winning Cuppers because obviously that is a challenge but maybe semi-finals next year, and then in two years after playing together as a team there is a chance we will make Oriel proud by winning it!”