Remembrance activity across the EFL will conclude this weekend as clubs mark 100 years since the end of the Battle of the Somme.
One hundred years on, the Battle of the Somme is being remembered across the country as part of the official First World War Centenary commemorations of which the EFL is proud to play its part by marking the centenary of the Battle of the Somme’s end this weekend.
Sadly, many players, staff and fans of EFL clubs were killed at the Somme, 1,000 whom fought for the Footballers Batallions which included many of the great stars of the day and some of those who would go on to achieve great footballing feats in the post-war era.
In recent weeks, EFL clubs and the communities in which they are embedded have been paying tribute to those who lost their lives. Across all of the 72 member clubs between 12-19 November, minutes silences have been accompanied by EFL wreath being laid on the pitch prior to kick-off to remember and honour all of those that have fallen in battle.
All 24 Sky Bet Championship teams will be wearing Poppy shirts and the matches will be played with a limited edition Poppy ball. To date, Sky Bet and EFL clubs have together raised nearly £250,000 for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal from auctioning match-worn poppy shirts.
Having launched the #FootballRemembers campaign in March 2014 at the start of the First World War Centenary to mark the contribution made by the game, football continues to pay its respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice 100 years ago.