SANDHURST
This wasn't just about the goals and glory; it was a deeply moving event that went beyond the beautiful game. The arrival of our Ukrainian guests brought home the stark realities they've faced. Stepping onto the coach to greet them, the initial atmosphere was heavy, with emotionless faces and a reluctance to engage. The briefing on the eve of the tournament painted a similar picture – a lack of outward emotion, with practical needs like towels, chargers, and trainers taking precedence, which understandably caused a touch of frustration at the time.
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However, the magic of sport, the camaraderie of being part of a team, began to work its wonders. Slowly but surely, barriers started to break down. Watching these lads begin to connect with each other, and with us, sharing fragments of their harrowing experiences – the things they'd seen, the things they'd done – was a powerful testament to the rehabilitative power of sport.
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The isolation that often comes hand-in-hand with both physical and psychological wounds began to dissipate. They weren't just defined by their injuries anymore, both the visible and the unseen, but by their role within the team, by their connection to their teammates. Some had never even kicked a football before, yet they all gave it their all, and in their own way, they all triumphed.
SANDHURST TOURNAMENT
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It was a gamble, no doubt, bringing these individuals over. We've been involved in aid efforts in Ukraine for a while, supplying sports facilities for mental and physical rehabilitation, but bringing Ukrainians to the UK was a whole new kettle of fish and for many of these guests, this was their first time leaving the country. Most had endured horrific trauma, both physical and mental, including former prisoners of war.
Witnessing the success of rehabilitation through sport for these war-wounded individuals was truly humbling, a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the unifying force of sport. Saying goodbye to the teams was bittersweet. There was sadness in their departure, but also an immense sense of upliftment seeing every single one of them leave with a smile on their face. They had shared their stories – some for the very first time – of torture, loss, and survival in the most unexpected places: in the bar, by the lake at Sandhurst, on trains, in the bustle of London, even sitting on the floor at Waterloo Station.
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And amidst this backdrop, there was also the football! The fun kicked off the night before with a cracking pre-tournament match between a select bunch of Gooners and a determined Burns & Wilcox side, one of our top sponsors – a proper ding-dong, by all accounts! Both sides then had a go against a formidable military team, The Queens Royal Hussars the victor of which remains a slightly hazy but good-natured mystery. Although we should also point out they had ex International players in their midst.
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​The main event was a belter of a tournament, featuring Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, and those spirited teams from Ukraine. Every match was a proper tussle, played with fantastic spirit all round. The final saw Brighton and Arsenal go at it hammer and tongs, with Brighton eventually nicking it, though a dodgy red card decision did raise a few eyebrows – shame there was no VAR at Sandhurst to have a proper look! After that, the volunteers and supporters bravely took on the Army lads, led by RSM Hodgey, in another tight encounter, with the volunteers scoring a blinder, smashed in by the former secretary of NATO, before the Army pegged them back with a screamer. Penalties decided it, with young Archer (a Spurs fan, bless him!) unfortunately seeing his sudden-death spot-kick saved, although video footage showed the keeper was not on his line!
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So, yes, a massive thank you to everyone involved, in particular Captain Dan Green, who without his guidance, from the initial idea to the conclusion of the event, we would not have achieved our goals. This was more than just a football tournament; it was a testament to human resilience, the power of sport, and the importance of connection. Everyone went home with memories, and more importantly, with a renewed sense of hope and belonging for those who needed it most. A truly unforgettable event.
