UK Armed Forces set for game to remember

By Matt Badcock

TEAM: UKAF squad after their 4-1 win over Ireland

UK ARMED Forces Football manager Corporal Daryl White says a tough test awaits when they take on Germany at Aldershot Town’s EBB Stadium on Thursday  in a Game of Remembrance.

Entry is free with the  women’s sides kicking  off at 2pm before the  men’s teams face off at  7.15pm.

 The game is part of  UKAF’s preparation for  the Kentish Cup – FIFA’s oldest competition  – which takes placed in  France this December  and is played between  UK, French and Dutch  Armed Forces teams.

The players, many who  play Step 2-5 football  in the National League  System, are drawn from  the Royal Navy, British  Army and Royal Air  Force. It’s the second meeting  between the men’s sides,  with UKAF 2-0 victors in  Germany in 2018. White, taking charge  of his second game having led the side to a 4-1  win against Ireland in  his first game, is excited  for the challenge.

He said: “The UK  Armed Forces team is  made up from the very  best players of the Royal Navy, British Army  and the Royal Air Force,  all of whom are playing Non-League football  from Step 2 to Step 5,”  he said.

“This match marks  the halfway point in our  preparation for this seasons Kentish Cup, out in  France. This match will  play a vital part in our  preparation. “The group is extremely professional are our  preparation has been  going well with games  against Aldershot Academy, Irish Defence Forces and Portsmouth Acade m y. “The German Bundeswehr will provide a  tough test as this will be  a big game for them too,  they are a highly talented, well organised side  that will give us a different type of challenge too  what the Irish Defence  Forces did back in June. “We must not forget  this is a game of remembrance, since the end  of the First World War  we have honoured our  Armed Forces personnel  that have made the ultimate sacrifice. “As service personnel  across all three services  there is nothing more rewarding than representing the UK Armed Forces, remembering those  that have fallen before  us and wearing the poppy on our chest. We will  remember them.”

 Major Mark Ayre –  British Army and Deputy Chairman of UK  Armed Forces football  said:  “United Kingdom  Armed Forces Football  are delighted to host  our colleagues, from the  Bundeswehr for the first  time.  “Having last played  them in Germany in  2018, we hope this will  become an annual competitive fixture, as it is a  fantastic opportunity to  re-affirm and strengthen  our bonds of friendship.  “Particularly in light  of the poignant history of this game – The  Game of Remembrance.  The fixture promises to  be very competitive and  showcase the talent we  are fortunate to select  from across the Armed  Forces.”