Middlesbrough U12’s are flying the North East flag of success! They have won the ‘Christmas Truce Education Challenge’ – a Premier League competition with over 25 clubs taking part.
On the 8th of November, the Middlesbrough U12 club visited the Green Howards Museum to learn about the Christmas truce in 1914. Zoë Utley, Head of Collections, guided the session by sharing three different versions of the historic event. In three groups, they examined the official story from the War Diary, the Regimental version, and finally individual accounts. They were encouraged to explore the sources and discuss with each other the differences between the stories. One of the letters came from the museums own collection; Yorkshire Regiment soldier, Joseph Cole. Read about his version of the Christmas Truce here.
The theme for this year’s Premier League U12 competition is ‘Power in Pals’, exploring the Football Battalion, one of the Pals Battalions, who were friends that signed up to fight in WW1. The football academy wanted to explore the lives of those service men and women who tended to the injured during the First World War. Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae was a source of inspiration, as the Under-12’s were encouraged to write their own war-inspired literature, as well as create a poppy that would feature as a collection of poppies called ‘The Spirit of Teesside Poppy’.
As well as an opportunity for a radio interview by Gary Philipson on BBC Radio TEES, the youths held a remembrance service at local Mosque Jamia Masjid Al-Madina. A second service of remembrance took place at Rockliffe Park with representatives of the Green Howards Regiment, Lt Daniel Weldon from the 15 Air Assault Brigade, Boro Medical Team members, and MFC Academy Staff. Two wreaths were placed on the pitch prior to kick-off by four members from the Under-12 team. The competition explores topics of loyalty, friendship, and community. we’re pleased to announce that they have won the Education Competition – congratulations!
Waving the flag of success.