Boro U12s have been exploring stories of courage and selflessness to help extend the legacy of the Christmas Truce.
The famed football match on Christmas Day 1914 inspired our Academy side to delve deeper into the lives of the men and women who cared for the wounded and dying during the First World War.
Whilst examining doctors, nurses, ambulance corps and the British Red Cross, the main source of inspiration came from Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae and the medical volunteers who risked their lives so that we might have a better tomorrow.
Celebrating his well-known poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ our Under-12s were tasked with creating their own piece of war-inspired literature as well as designing their own poppy.
These poppies were then amalgamated into one ‘team’ effort, creating ‘The Spirit of Teesside’ poppy.
To commemorate McCrae and the medical volunteers, the youngsters put together a service of remembrance at local Mosque Jamia Masjid Al-Madina, which was held on Thursday 27 October.
Two of our U12s also took part in a radio interview to explain why they were putting on the service whilst also inviting everyone from Middlesbrough to come and join in.
Interviews with club doctors were conducted by our young footballers as they tried to imagine themselves as medical professionals during the difficulties of war.
A second remembrance service was held at Rockliffe Park with MFC Academy Staff, Representatives of the Green Howards Regiment, Lt Daniel Weldon from the 16 Air Assault Brigade, members of the Boro medical team as well as first-team staff and players all in attendance.
During our dedicated remembrance fixture, four of our U12s placed two wreaths on the pitch prior to kick-off with the remainder of the side handing out ‘The Spirit of Teesside’ poppies to Boro supporters in the Generation Red Family Zone.