Four teams are once again beginning their preparations after the draw for the annual JMU Journalism World Cup was made in front of a live audience at Liverpool Screen School.

Level 3, who have won both editions of the tournament which was first held in 2010, will begin their quest for a third title with a semi-final tie against the much-fancied Alumni team.

Captain Liam Deveney was bullish when asked whether his side could possibly retain their cup: “I’m very happy with the draw. I’m feeling confident that we can defend our trophy for an unprecedented third time.”

The Alumni outfit have yet to register a single goal in JMU Journalism World Cup history, but will be boosted by another year’s worth of graduates to choose from. Chris Shaw will skipper the side that will once again depend on the goalscoring prowess of lecturer John Mathews.

Shaw said: “Our run of bad luck will surely end this

year, while the third years simply cannot keep their

form going again. I’ll be scouring the country,

and the world, for ex-students who can bring some

respect back to the Alumni.”

However, it is Level 2 who are most in need of

rehabilitation after their 6-1 humiliation against

Deveney’s men 12 months ago. Nevertheless,

captain Josh Killner was confident in his

assessment of their chances.

He said: “Last year we were inexperienced, but

this year we're aware of what is needed if we're

to make the JMU Journalism World Cup final.

“If all goes well, a rematch of last year’s semi-final

could be on the cards in this year’s final, and I

know the team are out for revenge. Nothing

is impossible.”

Killner’s side will be playing the unknown quantity of this season’s event, the new first years, who have the element of surprise on their side. Nick Seddon was eager to volunteer as team captain and he gave a bold rallying cry on behalf of the tournament's freshers.

“It will be a tough game, we are similar in age and skill, but under my leadership we’ll get through it. We’re going to be playing a traditional 4-4-2 and we’ll give it a good go,” he said.

All JMU Journalism World Cup fixtures will be played at IM Marsh Campus, Aigburth: Level 3 v Alumni - Sunday March 11; Level 1 v Level 2 - Sunday March 25. Any student, male or female, wishing to take part should contact their respective team captain by email: Level 1: Nick Seddon; Level 2: Josh Killner; Level 3: Liam Deveney; Alumni: Chris Shaw.