Date: 28th May 2015 at 7:04pm
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Anyone who thinks that the last ball had been kicked at Emirates Stadium this season couldn’t have been more wrong!

Competition was still alive and kicking yesterday, as the illustrious ground played host to the inaugural Europcar Cup. The five-a-side tournament, hosted by Europcar, the official car and van rental provider to Arsenal Football Club, gave lucky fans the once in a lifetime chance to show their skills in the home of their footballing idols.

The tournament capped the end of a first full season’s partnership between Europcar and Arsenal, as the team representing the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Arsenal Supporters Club, captained by Ben Roberts, was crowned champions by Arsenal Legend, Ray Parlour.

The former midfielder, and member of the club’s famous ‘Invincibles’ side, had been on hand throughout the day for team talks and a Q&A session with fans before presenting the trophy. At the start of the day fans even prepared for the competition in the official Arsenal changing rooms.

“Today’s tournament was a great way to celebrate a fantastic year’s partnership with Arsenal,” explained Ken McCall, Managing Director, Europcar UK Group. “But, more importantly, it was an opportunity to give back to the people that really make the club such a special place: the supporters.”

There were eight teams competing including four fans teams – each selected through a competition on social media – plus the team from Arsenal’s Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Supporters Club, a team of bloggers, another comprising travel and sports journalists and another made up of Europcar’s suppliers.

“Playing on the same pitch as my heroes was truly a unique experience, and one which I will never forget,” said Ben Roberts, from Hemel Hempstead.  Fellow team members were Rob De Bell, Mark Kenneally, Craig Wiseman, Harry O’Riordan and Sam Rawlings.

“Getting to share this experience with my friends and family has made the occasion even more special. I have been an Arsenal fan for many years and to be able to play, and win, on a football ground that is so special to me means the world. Meeting Ray, getting changed in the official Arsenal changing rooms and then winning. has been an experience I will never forget.”

 

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