To mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme’s conclusion, St George’s Park this week played host to a women’s match between the British Army and their German counterparts.
Part of a three-day schedule of events organised by the Army Football Association, the unique fixture remembered those who lost their lives at the Battle of the Somme.
Holly Murdoch, St. George’s Park general manager, said: “The team at St. George’s Park is honoured to have hosted such a significant game at the site.
“Seeing both teams come together to enjoy some friendly rivalry through football while paying tribute to the lives lost in the Battle of the Somme is testament to the power of sport.
“Throughout history sport has been unique in its ability to bring people together – this match was no exception and we saw some excellent football being played.”
More than 30 senior political and military representatives and their guests watched the match, sponsored by civil aviation and defence organisation CAE, which ended 3-1 in favour of the British side.
St. George’s Park was selected to host the match due to its state-of-the-art facilities and location in Burton-upon-Trent – an area known for its military heritage and as the birthplace, and final resting place, of Lance Corporal William Harold Coltman, VC, DCM and Bar, MM and Bar, the most highly decorated British Soldier of the First World War.
Major General M Mitchell, chairman of the Army FA, said: “For the Army women’s football team to be able to play the Game of Remembrance against the German armed forces at such a key site for English football created a real sense of occasion.
“St. George’s Park is a phenomenal facility and we feel very privileged to have been invited here.”
