We are excited to announce the launch of London’s inaugural 7-a-side mixed ‘Fintech League’ on Friday 22nd March 2019
By FF Newsroom · 19 March 2019
As the Fintech hub of Europe, London has a vibrant and growing community of people at the cutting-edge of the Fintech scene. Football provides the perfect landscape to bring all these people together through some friendly competition. The very first iteration of this league will consist of the following teams:
- 11:FC
- Curve FC
- Funding Options FC
- GoCardless FC
- Monzo FC
- Receipt Bank FC
- Revolut FC
- Starling Bank FC
Starting off as the brainchild of some of the guys at 11:FS and Funding Options, this ambitious project was driven by one of the co-Founder of the Fintech League and Vice Captain - 11:FC, Anthony Marion, @a11hony who said:
“The Fintech Football League is a childhood dream. When the opportunity came to bring, arguably, some of the most promising talent in the world together, to compete at the highest level on one of the most iconic football grounds in Europe, I never looked back. If it’s footballing prowess, friendly rivalries, entertainment, suspense and drama you are looking for, then you are in for a treat.”
Come down and support the teams at Powerleague Shoreditch, every Friday, starting 22/03, K.O times 5.40pm & 6.20pm; 8 teams, 14 weeks, 7-a-side, 40 minutes, 1 trophy, 1 champion.
For all the action, team news and exclusive content follow us on Twitter @fintechleague & fintechleague.com
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Meanwhile, the imminent start of the league has already got the captains engaging in some friendly banter and posturing:
Petrit Berisha - captain 11:FC, @PetBerisha said:
“I’m honoured to be leading the team out, at the highest level of football in financial services. This is any kids dream, and I can tell you that every player in that dressing room is raring to go. Pressure? I’m not sure - I think there’s two types of people in this world. Those who crumble under pressure, and those who thrive. Pressure can either break you, or it can make diamonds. We certainly see ourselves in the latter category”
Erich Schudt - captain Curve FC, @eschudt said:
“Who wouldn’t want to take part? The best teams playing, competing for the ultimate prize. It’s not the champions league. It’s the champions of London Fintech league, and it’s almost as exciting!”
Mike Stanley - captain Funding Options FC, @mikestanley88 said:
“I am looking forward to the passion, the rivalry & the fans singing their hearts out. Those magic moments, the last minute winners and the over enthusiastic celebrations. I am looking forward to an exciting community of Fintecher's coming together to create something unique and different. A team of people whose passion is to create much needed change across different customer bases. Sharing wealth and knowledge can only be a good thing.”
Pierre Binfoh - captain GoCardless FC, @PBinfoh said:
“I have to say I am very excited to be leading the GC team into this league. There are some great teams involved, but the team has been putting in the work on and off the field and I’m just happy to be in a position to help them learn the game we call Football. We have been pretty meticulous in our preparations and we know that we have to take it one game at a time, this is our Everest.”
Ignacio Semerene - vice-Captain Monzo FC, @IgnacioSemerene said:
“This League? It takes precedence over anything - everything - else. For the next 14 weeks, nothing else matters.”
Will Lawton - captain RBFC, @receiptswill said:
“At Receipt Bank FC, we are proud to represent the company in the first ever Fintech Football league. After last year’s round of friendly matches, it’s exciting to see these friendship-rivalries materialise. We look forward to connecting with the top players on the London FinTech scene through some top-quality footie.”
Michiel Smet - captain Revolut FC, said:
“t's an absolute thrill to represent Revolut on the most anticipated football competition in London. Champions league? Premier League? Though prestigious - they'll get a run for their money when compared to the spectacle and excitement we're expecting to bring to the FinTech pitch. I speak on behalf of the squad when I say that we intend to take the tournament by storm. Can you hear the thunder rumble?
Adnan Ahmed - captain Starling Bank FC, @adyahmed136 said:
“There is a lack of mixed football leagues in London - not anymore. It is with great pride and joy that I can now lead the men and women of Starling FC into one of the best leagues in the world. We’re here to win and as a wise man once said “If you eat caviar every day it’s difficult to return to sausages”
Thank you to the talented team at 11:FS (Michael Bailey, Simone Giorgetta, Anthony Marion & Petrit Berisha) for writing, directing and producing the Fintech League Unveiling video.
Watch it here (link up at 11.30am GMT on 19/03 on 11:FS Youtube channel and @fintechleague twitter account)
Special thanks to Ed Draper, Rob Callaghan, Sir Iain Pritchett and his loyal chauffeur Archibald.