Issue 149

AU Player's locker

20th November 2006

Tom Hopper, the football 1sts captain, kindly came into the Waterfront office for a chat this week to talk about all things football. Originally from the Reading area, he started his footballing career at the age of 9 when he joined Wokingham Town and turned out for them week in, week out for around 6 years. Tom later went on to represent Berkshire and East-Berkshire at youth levels.

When asked about the difference in standard between county and university football, he found joining the University leagues "a big step-up", facing some third and fourth year players whilst still a fresher. However, the tables have now turned however with Hopper as one of the senior players- after finishing his degree in Media Studies he is this year studying for a Masters in Journalism alongside his footballing commitments.

This season's first XI have not enjoyed the best of starts but appear to have turned a corner with an away win at Bath pleasing the captain: "Beating Bath was an amazing result for us." He enthused, promising good things for their following game that was at home to Southampton the day following the interview.

Swansea made a good start to the match, gaining an early lead and playing some great passing football. Ten minutes before half time, Hopper and Southampton's goalkeeper both dived in for a 50- 50 ball with the ball being cleared but the keeper left on the floor. A long stoppage ensued as the brave 'keeper had suffered a blow to the nose and had to be taken off. Unfortunately, Swansea were caught cold when play resumed as within the space of ten minutes the game was turned on its head with three Southampton goals. The wet conditions made it difficult for the defence to cope, with a cross being spilled and a mis-directed header allowing the visitors ample opportunity to take their 3-1 lead. The home side, to their credit, fought their way back in the second half with a strong Wattleworth effort nestling in the net soon after the second half was underway. Swansea dominated possession but just couldn't find their breakthrough, however with ten minutes left, good pressure following a cross by Hopper led to the ball being gleefully rammed home by Mike Symons levelling the game at three-all. The side's brave second-half fight back followed a fiery team-talk at half time.

Tom seems really happy with the set up of the Swansea football club this season and is full of praise for the efforts of manager Chris Wells: "Chris is massive for the team, with his help maybe this year we can go on further."

The team appeared to have formed a strong bond already this season, possibly nurtured during their nights out with Tom's favourite haunts being AU nights, Revolutions and campus's own DV8. Much of his time is now dedicated to study however, with football also taking up much time with training sessions or games most days of the week. Once his Masters is completed, Tom's ambitions include possibly working for a magazine or even novel writing.

The side play their home games at Sketty Lane playing fields; why not keep an eye out in the Waterfront's fixtures section and go along to give your support.

Andy Williams