LFC U16s to mark 100th anniversary of Battle of the Somme
Liverpool FC U16s will face Hertha Berlin U16s on Friday July 1 as part of commemorations to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
The fixture, arranged through the Bundeswehr (German Army), Volksbund für Kriegsgräberfürsorge (German War Cemetery Society) and the Premier League, will see a seven-a-side match take place at Stade de la Liberte in Cambrai, with the two teams being mixed together for the second half of the fixture as a sign of respect and unity.
A minute’s silence will also be held ahead of the game to remember the soldiers who lost their lives during battle.
Both teams will then travel to Fricourt German War Cemetery, with players from Liverpool and Hertha Berlin reading wartime letters from 1916. A wreath will also be laid at the cemetery as a mark of respect.
The occasion marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest battles in human history.
Fighting at the Battle of the Somme began on July 1, 1916 and lasted four-and-a-half months. In total, 60 nations from across the British Empire and Europe were involved in the fighting across a 25 kilometre front.
When the offensive finally came to a halt on November 18, 1916, the Battle of the Somme had claimed a million casualties.
On the fixture, Liverpool academy director Alex Inglethorpe said: “It is an absolute honour for Liverpool Football Club U16s to be invited to take part in this commemorative fixture to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
“It is a historical occasion for both clubs and promises to be a special occasion that will pay respect to the many soldiers that lost their lives a century ago.”
Martyn Heather, head of education at the Premier League, added: “We are extremely grateful to the Bundeswehr and the Volksbund für Kriegsgräberfürsorge for extending the Premier League an invitation to join the commemoration of the Battle of the Somme.
“The tournament and educational aspects of the visit will provide a great insight into the area and its history and will be a memorable day during which the Premier League and the Liverpool Academy players are able to pay their respects.”