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ANZAC Day Clash at Villers Bretonneaux seeking players

  • Friday, January 16 2015 @ 08:31 pm ACDT
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Europe
AFL Europe has commenced the call to action for players to compete in this year’s ANZAC Cup in France. The match will again be played in the now historically linked venue at Villers Bretonneaux, part of the Somme Department in northern France, some 20 kilometres from the city of Amiens.

As reported on the AFL Europe website, “2015 sees the 7th edition of the ANZAC Cup on the battlefields of Villers Bretonneux in France. Thanks to the work of previous organisers the CNFA and ABA this event continues to grow into a real highlight on the European calendar. This year’s event will be held on the 25th April.”

“Playing abilities are not the focus, we are more interested in personal connections to the area or the armed forces and the ANZAC’s special history. In the tradition of the ANZAC spirit Kiwi’s are more than welcome to apply.”

“The series stands at three games apiece and is always a fierce battle that is then celebrated by all. As ANZAC Day is on a Saturday this year it is sure to be a very special occasion with a larger than normal crowd.”

The match is played on a makeshift, but proudly cared for, ground opposite the Australian War Memorial. The AFL’s website states that “the people of the town never forgot the bravery of the Australian soldiers, while the local school was rebuilt using donations from the children of Victoria, many of whom had relatives perish in the town's liberation. Today, signs can be seen around the school with the inscription "N'oublions jamais l'Australie" (Let us never forget Australia).”

“But the annual Anzac Day Cup isn't about elite-level football. It's about passion, pride and paying respects to those long-departed. The contest is played out in front of the graves of over 770 Australian soldiers, as well as those of other British Empire soldiers involved in the campaign.”

Anybody wanting information on the Villers Bretonneaux ANZAC Day Cup, whether wanting to participate or simply visit, can contact Ben MacCormack at AFL Europe by email at: ben.maccormack@afl.europe.com or visit the AFL Europe website at: http://www.afleurope.org/