Football Remembers Memorial

Spencer Turner is pictured by the Football Remembers Memorial after the unveiling and dedication ceremony by Prince William in December 2014 at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Spencer, aged 10 years, designed the memorial which was created by sculptor Georgie Welch. The design was chosen by Prince William and England forward Theo Walcott after the Football Remembers competition opened to over 30,000 schools around the UK. The memorial represents the hands of an English and German soldier clasped in friendship inside a steel symbol of a football in respect of the time when opposing soldiers stopped fighting and played football.

The memorial is part of Football Remembers, a series of events during December 2014 jointly delivered by the Premier League, The FA and the Football League along with the British Council, to commemorate the First World War and the centenary of the 1914 Christmas Truce.

The National Memorial Arboretum was officially opened to the public in May 2001. Bordered by the Rivers Trent and Tame the Arboretum is set in 150 acres with around 50,000 trees planted. There are more than 300 dedicated memorials which form a tribute and acknowledge the personal sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and Civil Services of the country. There are also large areas with memorials devoted to Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance services; also National Charities representing those who have died in particular circumstances, including children are to be found in the grounds.

Acknowledgement: Thank you to the National Memorial Arboretum and Past Track for providing this image.