History of University College AFC
It is something of a surprise that a college with the history of University College is one of the few that does not have its name inscribed on the Cuppers trophy. Indeed Univ have been largely anonymous throughout much of the history of inter-college football in Oxford. The most successful period in Univ's history is probably the late 70s, when the 2nd XI won the league and cup double (in 1978/9). As Nick Smith, who played for Univ from 1976 to the late 80s, recalls: "As the 70s turned into the 80s, it became progressively easier to nail down a 1st XI place and by the end of the 80s we were lucky if Univ could raise a 2nd XI at all." The 1st XI did earn promotion to the top flight by winning the Division 2 title in 1988/9, with Lord Butler's son Andy leading the line. This is the only record of Univ's 1st team winning anything.
Since relegation from the top flight in 1998/9, Univ have never returned. They formed part of the new First division in 2000/01 and stayed there until relegation in 2004/05 and for the past two seasons have been plying their trade in the bottom division of college football. Highlights in recent years have been few and far between, the most notable being an MCR league title in 2002/3 and a 2nd XI league title in 2001/2 in which, remarkably, two players, Simon Dickens and Tom Brown, each scored 40 goals. Dickens is surely Univ's record goalscorer, with a combined total of over 100 goals.
