Under-8 players from across Liverpool marked the famous Christmas Truce of 1914 at the 7 Elite Academy Christmas Truce Tournament, in aid of Veterans HQ.

The event was part of the academy’s community partnership initiative, that includes regular tournaments and training sessions across the city.

It was based on the famous truce in World War One, when soldiers from both sides stopped fighting and came together to play football on Christmas Day in 1914.

Tuesday night’s tournament raised funds for Veterans HQ, which works with military veterans and their families to provide employment support, education, training, housing support and health referrals. 

Teams from 7 Elite Academy, South Liverpool FC, Prescot Cables, Farmers Inter and FC Northern took part in 5V5 games, including penalty shootout competitions, before winner-takes-all finals.

Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy Director, said: “This is something we do every year as part of our Christmas giveback initiative with Liverpool Veterans HQ.

“There is no better tribute for those that know about the Christmas Truce in the First World War and we are doing this for a wonderful charity.

“It is freezing tonight, but you couldn’t tell from the brilliant attitude of the kids on the pitch. This is a very special night for us here at 7 Elite Academy.

“Whatever we do, we always make sure we give something back to the community and charities in as many ways as possible.”

7 Elite Academy runs teams, educational and community programmes for hundreds of young people in the United Kingdom, United States and Africa.

This year’s event with Veterans HQ is a further initiative that also includes a long-standing partnership with the charity An Hour For Others in Liverpool.

Ian Tumilty, Veterans HQ Families Officer in Liverpool, said: “Tonight is about young people coming together and remembering the Christmas Truce, when British and German soldiers played football across the trenches.

“What brought those soldiers together in 1914 was football and that is so powerful, especially in this city and also they’re raising funds for military veterans, which is so amazing. 

“It is great that young people tonight are remembering what happened and they’re aware of how poignant that truce was.”