Varsity 2022 was a huge event with both universities having their own degrees of success. But as far as Leeds Beckett’s football teams are concerned, there’s always room for improvement.
Leeds Beckett’s footballing set up is one of the best in the country and the Men’s side’s have always been performing at the top level. Last year’s Varsity results saw them beat inner-city rivals University of Leeds three out of four times, with only the first team losing their match.
This year however, Leeds Beckett are aiming for a clean sweep. Leeds Beckett have claimed three out of four league titles this season, winning the Northern Tier 1A, 2B and 4D. The first team is one of the title winners and they will be hoping to carry that dominance into Varsity, whilst also looking for revenge after being the only Men’s side to lose last year.
‘We were disappointed with three out of four’
Leeds Beckett club captain Joe Smith, spoke about the club’s desire to win all four games this year: “Last year we found unsuccessful with the first team losing,
“This year as a club we’ve come on leaps and bounds so four out of four is the aim,
“Last year we were disappointed with three out of four which does speak volumes about the club and to progress this year we need four out of four, anything else is unsuccessful.”
Josh Barnes also spoke about how badly the club’s wanting to whitewash their rivals this year: “People might think it’s arrogant to say four out of four is the minimum,
“I’ve personally played them twice this season and beat them twice so the third will be the icing on the cake,
“We’ve won three out of four league titles this season so there’s no reason why we can’t make it four of four this year.”
‘Pinnacle of university football’
Smith and Barnes also explained the importance of varsity to themselves and the club with Barnes explaining, “varsity for me is the pinnacle of university football, it’s the one you really want to win against your rival,
“It is the biggest occasion, everyone’s watching, what more could you want,
“Your mates might find it funny usually if you mess up or do something wrong but as soon as you step on that pitch, everybody wants you to win.”
Smith also commented saying how their was a need to”build on last years performances,
“We thrive off of the competitive edge, it brings out a nasty side in us which needs to be in games for us to win.”
Click below to get a full preview on Leeds Varsity 2023 and to hear the two Leeds Beckett players interviews.
Is football physical or mental?
The mental side of football is talked about at every level with players, coaches, pundits and press all putting a huge emphasis on the impact that having a strong mentality has.
With Beckett not being happy about the three matches they won last year and focusing on the one they lost, this gives a real insight into the mentality and attitude of the squad.
‘Mental toughness is important for coaches and players to engage with in matches and training. Enhanced mental toughness increases the chance of consistent success,’ according to Believe Perform.
Beckett winning three league titles will also give them a huge boost in confidence and belief as we approach Varsity, both of which are crucial for a side to be successful.
Varsity press conference
Below is a behind-the-scenes of the Leeds Varsity press conference day where all the interviews were gathered and storylines emerged.
