Imperial News

Imperial students take part in the Neil Baldwin Trophy

by Jon Narcross

Students from the College took part in the Neil Baldwin Trophy last week, a 5-a-side football tournament named after football's unlikeliest hero.

Neil Baldwin, whose unlikely fame led him to be the subject of the hit BBC Drama Marvellous, became a cult icon within the game for his time spent as kit man with Stoke City in the 1990’s. His passion for the game, relentless optimism and penchant for fancy dress made him an instantly recognisable presence in the dugout.

Described by then-manager Lou Macari as “the best signing I ever made” due to his positive effect on team morale, Baldwin even went on to make a substitute appearance for the club in a match against Aston Villa.

The man himself was on hand throughout the tournament before presenting the winning team with the coveted trophy.

Neil Mosley, Head of Sport Imperial, who refereed the tournament, said: “It was great to have Neil with us for the competition. Anyone who follows football will be aware of his cult status within the game. He came with all the spirit and enthusiasm you would expect and it was a great afternoon.”

View a range of pictures from the event below: