RIVALRIES were put to one side as young footballers in Purbeck came together to commemorate the centenary of the 1914 Christmas truce.
Wareham Rangers Youth FC and Swanage Town and Herston FC players, from under-8s to under-15s, formed mixed teams to play each other on Saturday – showing their support for the Football Association’s Football Remembers initiative.
It celebrates the spirit of the widespread unofficial ceasefires across the Western Front at Christmas in 1914 – stories of which have been passed down through the generations, including tales of soldiers playing football in no man’s land.
John Peacock, youth chairman of Swanage Town and Herston FC, said: “We decided to mix the players which they were reluctant to do at first – but once they got into it, the football really brought them together. It wasn’t all about winning – there was a really nice atmosphere.”
A bugler played the last post and the boys observed a two-minute silence as part of the event.
“It was an experience they will remember for sure,” added John.
“They definitely understood the significance of it all.”
The games were followed by refreshments and music from Wareham Town Band.
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