This one-off game is a recreation of a match that was held 100 years ago between Worthing Ladies’ XI and wounded soldiers from the Grange Auxiliary Hospital…
The original match was held at Worthing FC’s Woodside Road ground in March 1918, and despite their various disabilities, the men were obliged to play with their hands tied behind their backs.
Care for Veterans celebrates its own centenary next year, as the charity was established back in 1919 to care for those returning from World War I with life-changing disabilities. Since then, the charity has provided long term nursing care, rehabilitation, respite and award-winning end of life care to disabled ex-Servicemen and women from the RAF, Army, Royal Navy and auxiliary services.
The Grand Football Match, as it was also originally called, aims to be as authentic as possible, with WWI-themed atmosphere and refreshments. Spectators are encouraged to come in period costume from the 1900s, with prizes for the best-dressed up for grabs! There will also be live performances by Lancing Brass Band and 1066 Pipes & Drums marching band.
This commemorative match will be between serving male soldiers from The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment in Brighton and a Worthing Ladies Team, and both teams will be playing in costumes of the period.
Chairman of Worthing FC, Pete Stone, explained: “The message of ‘Lest We Forget’ is a very important one and we are privileged to be able to play our part in remembering such an historic event in our town, and to contribute to a very worthy cause such as Care for Veterans.”
The Grand Football Match will be at Worthing FC, Woodside Rd, Worthing on Sunday 14 October; doors will open at 1pm, with kick-off at 2pm. Tickets are priced at £4 each for adults; £2 each for concessions/children. Tickets will be available on the gate, or you can purchase your tickets in advance from Care for Veterans by calling 01903 218444.
