Sydney FC will pay tribute to Australia and New Zealand’s servicemen and women at Allianz Stadium this Sunday, with a special ANZAC Day commemorative ceremony (2.50pm).
The Sky Blues take on Auckland FC in what will be the first meeting between the two clubs across the ANZAC Day weekend, marking a poignant occasion for both nations.
The pre-match tribute will feature an official ceremony involving naval personnel from HMAS Sydney, the Royal Australian Navy Band and Army Cadets.
Supporters will witness a moving program including the Ode of Remembrance, the Last Post, a minute’s silence, the raising of the Australian and New Zealand flags, and the playing of both country’s national anthems.
Both teams will also wear black armbands embellished with rosemary as a mark of respect to the ANZACs, a traditional symbol of remembrance.
Sydney FC Captain Rhyan Grant’s maternal ‘Pop’ Bert O’Malveney served as a Private in the 2nd/17th Infantry Battalion during the Second World War having enlisted in 1943.
The 19-year old served in New Guinea and Borneo before his discharge in 1946.
And Grant said the occasion holds deep personal significance.
“It is incredibly important that we recognise ANZAC Day and honour all the servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much for our country,” he said.
“It’s something that is very close to me personally, with my grandfather serving in the Second World War.
“We are forever thankful that it allows us to live the lives we do today and play the game we love in a free country.”
In the lead-up to the match, Grant and other Sydney FC players will visit HMAS Sydney to meet naval personnel, thank them for their service, and gain a first-hand insight into life aboard the vessel.
“Being able to visit HMAS Sydney this week and spend time with the crew is a real privilege, and it gives us a greater appreciation of what they do and what they have done for us every day. Lest We Forget.”
Auckland FC’s defender Callan Elliot also acknowledged the significance of the ceremony.
“It is great occasion to be a part of; to take that moment to remember and to honour those that sacrificed so much for us to be able to enjoy playing and watching sport,” he said.
“We may be rivals on the pitch, but off of it we’re all brothers.”
The 3pm match is the Sky Blues’ final game of the regular season and Sydney FC are encouraging all Members and fans to be in their seats early to observe the ceremony at 2.50pm and show their respect.
