The Games of Remembrance

20/09/2018  -  1.00

The Games of Remembrance Project

The Games of Remembrance is a project for anyone interested in football to find out about and remember football's important role in World War 1, including an education and tribute programme, an exciting Britain versus Germany football match and a legacy for armed forces charities. 

The Games of Remembrance have been taking place since 2014 and see troops from the British Army Football Association take on the German Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) to commemorate soldiers from both sides who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War.

Notts County Football Club and Nottingham Forest Football Club have joined forces with the British Army Football Association to host The Greatest Games of Remembrance on Thursday 8 November.

Legendary players from both clubs, Les Bradd (Notts County) and John McGovern (Nottingham Forest), joined Notts County Captain, Richard Duffy and Forest player, Michael Dawson at the Victoria Embankment War Memorial on Thursday, 23rd August to drum up support for matches.

This year also marks the centenary of Armistice Day and will see both clubs host football games on Thursday, 8th November. Notts County, will host the women's match at Meadow Lane with the match kicking-off at midday. The men’s match will take place at 7pm at Nottingham Forest's City Ground. A number of club legends will attend both matches. Tickets went on sale to the general public on Friday, 7th September. Tickets for both matches will be available through the respective club websites and box offices.

Sir John Peace, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, has stated that: 

"It's an honour to welcome The Games of Remembrance football matches to Nottinghamshire marking the centenary of the Armistice, and remembering the many brave men and women from both countries who sadly lost their lives 100 years ago. 

Nottingham is intrinsically linked with the beautiful game and we're looking forward to fans playing their part to mark the Centenary. The Greatest Games of Remembrance are an opportunity for communities across Nottinghamshire to come together to pay their respects, learn more about the First World War and watch two highly competitive matches."

The football-filled day will have something for everyone to enjoy including displays of equipment, vehicles and military music to create a very special commemorative atmosphere.  A match day ticket will also provide entry into a family friendly fan zone which will open at the grounds 2 hours before kick-off. 

Army FA Chairman, General Mitch Mitchell MBE, highlighted that:

“Hosting the games wouldn't be possible without so many first-class partners including Notts County FC Chairman Alan Hardy, Nottingham Forest FC owner Evangelos Marinakis and Chairman Nicholas Randall Q.C, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council.

Football speaks to many people, in many languages. At the heart of communities around the world is a football club, great or small. And in both the UK and Germany it is the National game and the Forces game too. Nottingham has such a significant footballing history with two great clubs so close together - we couldn't think of a more fitting City to host the matches. 

The 100th anniversary of the Armistice deserves a special commemoration; and communities across Nottinghamshire have such an important role to play. We would like as many club supporters, families, schools, community groups, uniformed workers to join us for one if not both matches."

Find out more about The Games of Remembrance project and follow them on twitter @GofR2018 

About the project

The Games of Remembrance is in its 4th year, originally created to commemorate the Game of Peace, now it is a fantastic example of international cooperation between steadfast allies, all in the name of remembrance.