IIM Football Tournament 2023

It was the first (and last) sunny day we’ve seen in a few weeks and what a day for a football tournament. It was great to see such a good turnout again this year with some of the usual suspects and some new entrants. This year Protector put in two teams which was great to see (and a strategy which paid off, more on that later!) We also saw the return of some old champions in Allianz Insurance who have had a two year hiatus. Sadly last years winners Frenkel couldn’t make it.

The competition was split into two groups for the group stages with each team playing all teams in the group over, what turned out to be gruelling, 15 minute matches given the heat. There were clear winners in each Group, Allianz Insurance winning Group B with 4 from 4 and Protector winning Group A 3 from 3.

The Semi finals went the way the results would suggest with the Group leaders pushing their way past the runners up to set up the tantalising prospect of an Allianz v Protector final. This was a tense match and the form books suggested an Allianz win. However, Protector fought hard and managed to carve a narrow 2-1 lead, Allianz could not get past the stubborn keeper and defence but just managed a late goal to equalise. The scene was set, penalties to settle it for the 2^nd year in a row. Protector and Allianz both bagged their first with ease but then the nerves started to kick in with Allianz missing and really that was the end, Protector held their nerve and walked out deserved winners.

Special mention goes to ProFound who secured the wooden spoon with 4 losses from 4 matches and even more special mention to their most valuable player Mike Henderson of Riskbox who, without, ProFound may not have scored a single goal. In this tournament it really is the taking part that counts and a great day had by all! Bring on next years tournament and congratulations Protector!