Waste World Cup draw sees “group of death” emerge

Last year's quarter finalists Cleanaway and Grundon have avoided each other in this year's group stage

Among the groups this year, past champions Biffa Waste Management have been drawn against last year's finalists Grundon in what could turn out to be this year's “group of death”, Group D.

Meanwhile, last year's champions, Barclays, are hot favourites to escape from their group, Group B, and progress to the knock-out stage of the one-day football tournament.

After making the Draw, the Organising Committee chairman, Dr Margaret Bates, said: “This year's Waste World Cup looks like another highly competitive affair with a good mix of teams in each group. While we expect teams will put in some good displays of spirited football, the tournament organisers are intending to maintain a strong sense of fair play and sportsmanship throughout.”

The full Draw was as follows:

The Waste World Cup, taking place for the fourth year, is taking place at the Park Campus of the University of Northampton on Friday, September 8. Registration for teams will begin at 10am sharp, with kick-off at 10.30am for the first group stage matches.

Organisers are reminding the six-aside teams that no studs are allowed to be worn by players, only trainers. Dr Bates said: “This means that if you turn up with only blades, astroturfs, moulds or anything else that looks to me not like an ordinary trainer you will not be allowed to play.” Full rules and regulations are available at the Waste World Cup website.

Teams are also reminded that they must field at least two female players (and at least two male players) during all games.

Accommodation is available for the Thursday night and Friday night at the University of Northampton halls at an ensuite rate of 28, but these need to be booked in advance by emailing margaret.bates@northampton.ac.uk.

This year's tournament is sponsored by waste firm WRG and waste management software specialists Regenerist.