Carlsberg Launches Best Pub Team Search

Former England defender Gareth Southgate has launched the Carlsberg Pub Cup at the Freemasons Arms, London – the birthplace of The FA in 1863.? ?

The Covent Garden pub was the first to enter a team in the nationwide five aside tournament that offers players of all standards the chance to play for their local pub at the Emirates Stadium. ?The overall winning pub team will get VIP England treatment this summer.

They will take part in a pre-tournament training session, measured for suits and presented with full playing kit, before flying to represent England and play a team of European legends under the management of former England international Gareth Southgate and experience a sold out England match at UEFA Euro 2012. ? ?The Carlsberg Pub Cup is made of two tournaments, in order to appeal to regular five aside teams and those who play for fun rather than competition.

The winners of sixteen regional finals will appear at a Grand Final at Emirates Stadium as will those teams who are awarded a Carlsberg Green Card. Green Cards will be awarded by match referees to teams that show true sportsmanship, have an interesting story or who have the best supporting fans. These teams will be entered into a draw to play in a separate tournament at Emirates Stadium.  ?

?Gareth Southgate said: ‘This is a great opportunity for players of all standards to get involved in a fantastic five aside competition. The overall winning team will then be trained and  managed by me to play a team of European legends at UEFA Euro 2012 and will watch an England match in style, which really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.’  

‘The Green Card tournament means all entrants, whatever their standards have the opportunity to reach the Grand Final at Emirates Stadium, so I urge everyone to take part – your pub really does need you!’? ?

Dharmesh Rana, senior brand manager, Carlsberg added: ‘The Carlsberg Pub Cup competition offers experienced five a side teams as well as your average pub player, through our unique Green Card initiative, the chance to play at one of the world’s greatest stadiums.’

‘The Carlsberg Pub Cup not only offers players the chance to get involved but encourages landlords to get involved in the build-up and excitement around UEFA Euro 2012, to get behind England and even represent their country.’

?’As a proud sponsor of The England Football Team and UEFA Euro 2012 we are delighted to be able to offer once in a lifetime opportunities to true football fans.’? ?

Teams can enter the competition by obtaining a unique pin from their local pub and registering on the official Carlsberg Pub Cup website – www.carlsberg.co.uk/pubcup.