News

England's record goalscorer Kelly Smith MBE has confirmed her attendance at a special Games of Remembrance, to be hosted in Nottingham on Thursday 8 November.

The event consists of three matches - British Army vs German Armed Force, a women's game and men's fixture - to mark the centenary, and to pay respect to the many men and women, civilian and military, who lost their lives during the war. The Games also signify the strong bonds which now exist between the two nations.

Former Arsenal forward Kelly, who played in two World Cups, four European Championships, and represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics in a glittering career, said: "The story of women, football and the war is little known.

"It was difficult for the injured returning home to accept the idea of women playing ‘their’ game - but the war had forced an unstoppable change in the role of women in society."

Football was kept alive during the war years with women’s football growing rapidly.  The “Munitionettes” teams, (referencing the munitions factories in which many of the players worked in dangerous conditions) sprang up across the country, filling the void left by the vast numbers of men who had gone to war.

Playing in skirts, the women’s games were initially treated as a novelty; but soon the matches were attracting enthusiastic crowds of up to 55,000, and raising money for wounded soldiers and bereaved families. The Munitionettes kept the Beautiful Game alive for the nation during those dark and difficult days.

"It took us a long time to bring women’s football back to the top of sports agenda - and we still have a way to go," Kelly added.

"This is a way to uncover the inspirational story of WWI 'muntionettes' and make a tribute to the brave pioneers of female football who lead the way for all of us.”

The Games of Remembrance has brought together both of the city's main football clubs with Nottingham Forest and Notts County joining forces with the British Army Football Association to host The Games.

 

 

The football-filled day offers something for people of all ages to enjoy, including youth fan zones; displays of military equipment and vehicles at the football grounds and music from a military band.

An incredible 10,000 FREE tickets have been made available for schools, community groups and local grassroots football clubs and some free transport. Although more than half have been allocated it is still possible for requests to be made via gamesofremembrance@gmail.com 

Normal ticket prices are £5, £2.50 concessions and uniformed workers, plus great discounts for families.

You can also get involved beforehand too, by creating video tributes to footballers who served in the First World War here www.gamesofremembrance.com/tributes

Share this article