STUDENTS in Crewe recently played a Norwegian side in an 11-a-side friendly football match.

South Cheshire College (SCC) level 2 and level 3 football coaching students took on Trogstad FC, from just south of Oslo, and defeated the Scandinavian side 7-4 on October 1.

The friendly was arranged by Stuart Leicester, Manchester United’s Academy Coach, who teaches the students on the college’s football coaching programme each week.

He said: “As the squad were in the UK for a few days, we thought it would be a good opportunity for them to play a game as well as experience a different football culture.

“South Cheshire College students grasped the chance to take them on in a friendly match which was played in great spirit and both sides really enjoyed.”

Trogstad were on a UK visit to see how Premier League clubs operate, which also included a trip to Old Trafford to see United’s 2-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Trogstad captain, Janhaakoon Tvete, also presented SCC students with a commemorative plaque after the match as a mark of friendship between the two teams.

Jez Semple, football coaching lecturer at SCC, added: “We were delighted to host the team from Norway and strike up a partnership with young footballers from another country.”

Kai Eikaas, Trogstad’s assistant coach, said: “We really enjoyed coming to play at South Cheshire College and hope we can have a repeat match again sometime in the future.”