Plymouth Argyle joined forces with the Plymouth-based armed services recently for a special celebration of the region’s military men and women when they held an ‘Armed Forces Day’ in honour of the city’s service personnel.
The armed forces and their families were entitled to specially discounted match tickets, while a host of pre-match activities took place in and around Home Park.
‘Armed Forces Day’ kicked off with a football clinic held by
Argyle’s Football in the Community team along with the Plymouth Raiders who coached basketball skills. Other activities included circus skills for younger children and discounted swimming for members of the armed forces and their families.
The Plymouth Pipe and Drum Band played in Home Park before the Royal Marines abseiled in the match-ball, for the day’s match against Burnley, from the stadium roof and presented it to RA Ibbotson CB DSC, representing Royal Navy football, for kick off.
The match was attended by a number of military top-brass, and at half time the Marines performed an unarmed combat display.
A competition for the Armed Forces Day match mascots was organised by the Naval Personnel Family Services for 22 children to walk on the pitch with the players.
Commander Malcolm Pollock, the Commander of HMS Drake, said prior to the match: “Many service personnel from the Navy, the Marines, Army and RAF live in the South West and are serving overseas in places such as Afghanistan, Iraq or in ships and submarines. All of them are doing a very professional job and we are really proud of their achievements.
“It is great that our local football club, has – in recognition of their extremely challenging work – put on this Armed Forces Day. It will be a great chance for those serving personnel and their families to join the Home Park faithful and to enjoy what should be a cracking game of football.
“In terms of national recognition, this event marks out the South West as an area that is proud of its association with the armed forces and recognises their commitment and dedication and that of their families.”
Before the match, Argyle Chief Executive, Michael Dunford added: “We look forward to welcoming local servicemen and women to our forthcoming match against Burnley.
“Plymouth is a proud service city with a rich military history and it is only right and proper that we as a club reward their achievements.”
The Royal Navy and the Pilgrims have a history of working together. Last season, the club was invited on board HMS Albion in HM Naval Base Devonport as part of a morale-boosting exercise before their FA Cup clash with eventual winners Portsmouth.
This gesture was extended again recently when the current first team was invited to visit HMS Bullwark as part of a team-bonding exercise.
