Following the unfortunately abrupt end to the 2019-20 season due to the covid-19 pandemic, the University Floorball League returned with great success in 2021-22. 

Despite a lack of floorball generally being played in the UK for 18 months, five university teams from across the country registered to face off against each other in a round robin format. Due to the need for clubs to re-adjust to the demands of external fixtures post-lockdown, the league was organised so that each team only needed to play each other once, with all fixtures played across three days in total. Referees were student volunteers, with each team putting forward at least two referees to officiate the games of their competitors.

The first fixture date was held between the 'Northern' university teams - York, Nottingham and newcomers Durham. Impressing on debut, Durham secured a draw and a victory, whilst York also remained unbeaten in their matches with two draws.

In a positive circumstance for the university league, Oxford hosted London United for a single fixture within one of their regular training sessions. This kind of fixture helps facilitate more frequent competitive outings for teams and reduces time costs on potential hall bookings. A high-scoring match saw the visitors come away with a thrilling 5-4 victory.

The remainder of the fixtures were played on one day at Oxford University, with all teams featuring to complete the league standings. Six matches saw a high standard of play and plenty of goals to keep everyone glued to the action.

With York completing their final match with a 4-1 victory over Oxford, sealing an unbeaten league season, the fate of the league's title went down to the final game. London United faced an energetic Durham knowing that only a victory would be enough to be crowned champions. After a tense start, London United opened the scoring with four minutes on the clock through Timur Khalikov. With Durham unable to capitalise on a London United two-minute penalty, the score was extended to 2-0 after 11 minutes by the league's top scorer for the season, Tze Yang Tan. Not to be deterred, Durham set up a barnstorming final period with a goal just before the end of the first period from Yousuf Mirza.

With fifteen minutes remaining in the season, the title was still in the balance; until London United's Samuel Gramata restored the two-goal advantage to delirious celebration from the team's large supporting contingent. An immediate Durham reply from Elijah Lopez ensured an extremely tense final 8 minutes, with York watching on. With the seconds being counted down by all, the final whistle blew and London United confirmed their league title victory. The team was presented with a trophy from UKFF and all the players received a medal to mark their efforts.

The UKFF Universities Coordinators Alan Chitayat and Francis Overton were very grateful for the cooperation and dedication shown by all participants, captains and volunteer referees in getting the league to run this year. Although limited in scope, the matches played were excellent and the standard of refereeing high - all involved should receive great credit for putting themselves forward. UKFF hopes all players and teams are looking forward to the 2022-23 season with high hopes, and we cannot wait to see you there.

Congratulations once again to the league winners for 2021-22: London United!

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