Uni students look to cause Europa Cup shock

In the world of professional football, where absurd paychecks and prima donnas rule the attention of fans and the media, there is at least one team that will be going against the grain.

The Met are 90 minutes away from one of the most unlikely stories in football history Source: Twitter

The students of Cardiff Metropolitan University don't get paid to play, in fact it is the other way round as they fork out money for kit and expenses but that hasn't stopped 'Met' from enjoying a stunning run to sixth in the Welsh Premier League.

The result meant they went into a four-team playoff for a Europa League spot and after beating fifth placed Carmarthen Town last week, Cardiff Met FC now take on Bangor City on Sunday (AEST) with a Europa League spot in the first qualifying round the tantalising prize.

"We don't play anybody except students," said director of football Christian Edwards to WalesOnline, who oversaw the club's promotion into the Welsh top tier last season and handed managerial reins to former Sheffield United striker Wayne Allison.

The former Swansea and Wales defender Edwards told the story of the players who are set to cause one of the biggest boilovers in club football history.

"They don't get paid and they have to each pay £150 per year to play for the club to fund their kit and matchdays," he added.

"These are genuine students who apply to come here but we have tried to create a professional atmosphere.

Edwards is even daring to dream of what lies ahead if the team can win on the weekend.

"I got sent some information this week about the clubs in the draw if we win: Rangers, Aberdeen, Maccabi, AIK Stockholm and Dinamo Minsk.

"But we have to concentrate on Bangor first."