Clubs encouraged to support campaign
The Northamptonshire FA is encouraging all grassroots clubs across the county to take part in the forthcoming Football Remembers Week of Activity, which takes place 5th - 14th December 2014.
Every club in the country – from the Premier League to grassroots level - is being asked to create a unique photographic record of football a century on from the Christmas Truce, to commemorate one of the most iconic moments of the First World War.
Prior to all games taking place during 5th-14th December, a mixed squad photo is to be taken, featuring both teams displaying the spirit of the togetherness shown by troops from both sides in December 1914. These pictures are encouraged to be uploaded to social media, mentioning @NorthantsFA on Twitter or tagging in Northamptonshire FA on Facebook, whilst using the hashtag #footballremembers, and will be published on www.footballremembers.com
A joint collaboration between The FA, the Premier League, the Football League and the British Council, the aim of Football Remembers is to engage football fans and players at every level about what took place on Christmas Day 100 years ago on the battlefields in Belgium.
On 25 December 1914, soldiers from both sides put down their weapons and crossed into ‘no man’s land’ to share in an impromptu ceasefire. First-hand accounts from the time include references to football being played and photographs taken.
All photos uploaded to social media using #footballremembers will be automatically uploaded to the specially-launched website – www.footballremembers.com. The site shall act as a moment of record of football in 2014, a century on from the First World War, and will be preserved for future generations.
Kevin Shoemake, former Peterborough United, Kettering Town and Rushden & Diamonds goalkeeper, and the CEO of the Northamptonshire FA, said:
“This is a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic and heart-wrenching episodes in history – one where football and the mutual love of the game literally crossed the divide and brought opposite sides together.
“Therefore, and as a mark of respect, I’d urge all teams playing whatever format of the game as well as officials to upload and share a picture during this period and also take the opportunity to remind ourselves why we play this fabulous sport and, at the same time, pay your opposition respect on the day and exactly as those brave few managed to achieve on that incredible and fateful day back in 1914.”
For more information on grassroots football across Northamptonshire, please visit www.northamptonshirefa.com