Footballers who went to fight in the First World War are being commemorated in a woodland planted to mark the conflict’s centenary.
Supporters and clubs from throughout the English league will have the chance to dedicate trees in “team groves” at the Woodland Trust’s First World War centenary wood at Langley Vale in Epsom, Surrey.
It will mean six former Huddersfield Town players will be commemorated.
The first footballer from any club to die was Huddersfield defender Larrett Roebuck , and the club also lost Ernest George Kenworthy, Sidney James, Charles Randall, Leigh Roose and Jack Cameron during the First World War.
The scheme, which is spearheaded by footballing legend Sir Trevor Brooking and involves the National Football Museum, will create a “lasting living legacy” to players sent to the front between 1914 and 1918, many of whom never came home.
People can find out more about the project and the role their team’s footballers played in the First World War at www.forclubandcountry.org.uk and everyone who donates to the woodland will be remembered in a roll of honour.
Sir Trevor said: “The Woodland Trust and the National Football Museum’s For Club And Country project is the perfect way to commemorate football’s important role in the First World War.
“By planting groves of trees for every club whose players bravely fought for their country we are creating something beautiful and long lasting for future generations.
“Every football fan needs to get involved and make sure their club is remembered in the football groves at Langley Vale Wood.”
