At the European Inter-University Football Championship, held in Paris between April 20-23, 170 teams competed in groups of four for a berth in the finals. When the dust settled, the Bilkent squad had finished first in their group and second among 12 teams, after defeating Aalburg University from Denmark (4-0), losing a close game at the hands of Valencia University from Spain (0-1), and besting Padova University from Italy (5-0). Unfortunately, only the top team from among each group of 12 could advance to the finals to be held in September.

Kayhan Köksal, a member of the Bilkent team, said, "The tournament took place in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie. It was easy to remember that sports has the power to unite different cultures." Another Bilkent footballer, Kaan Özdemir, talked about the friendships the Bilkenters formed with members of a Portuguese team, who were staying in the same hotel. "By the end of the tournament we were exchanging mutual invitations to visit," he said.