FOR most Southampton Senior Cup finalists, St Mary’s Stadium represents the biggest stage of their playing career.

But when Team Solent step out to face Hamble Club on Wednesday, April 29 (7.30pm), there will be two or three in their side who already feel at home in Premier League surroundings.

The Southampton Solent University team – newly-crowned champions of the Sydenhams League Division One – boast a number of former Premier League academy players who are now studying at Solent.

Thanks to an innovative partnership between a small number of UK universities and the Professional Footballers Association (PFA), Team Solent’s squad is graced by the likes of Jesse Waller-Lassen, who learned his trade with Tottenham Hotspur, and Sam Byles, who developed through Arsenal’s esteemed academy.

“Our experience at big grounds can only help us in the final,” said Waller-Lassen.

“I think me and Sam, knowing the culture at professional clubs, try to raise the level. We make it a bit more of a competitive environment.

“We have both played at first-team stadiums in the FA Youth Cup – he’s played at Highbury, I’ve played at White Hart Lane.”

Former Fulham academy wing-back Glodi Nakanda also boasts a good pedigree and Team Solent captain Chris Wateridge believes Team Solent’s PFA contingent are key to the squad’s success.

“In addition to their experience of playing at a professional level, their ability has definitely strengthened our squad this season,” he said.

“For the rest of us, they inspire us to raise our game and give that bit extra.”

Following their Division One triumph, Team Solent will start next season playing Step 5 football in the Sydenhams Premier, the highest level a university-based team can reach under current FA regulations.

The largest sports club at Solent University, Team Solent has four teams, two of which compete in the BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) League Western Conference 2A.

The first team – managed by former England non-League international striker James Taylor (pictured) – are members of the Sydenhams League, while the reserves play in the Wyvern Combination.

Impressed with the club’s progress this term, Team Solent chairman Bill Moore added: “Strong mental approach, endeavour, a willingness to compete, aligned with ability, has been a key feature of our play.”