Barrow's first ever 'Peace Tournament' new annual tradition

Organised by the Children's Football Alliance and hosted by Barrow Celtic Juniors at Boyd Park, the games saw the pitch officially twinned with the Flanders Peace Field.

Found in Belgium, the Flanders Peace Field was the site of Christmas Truces in 1914 during World War One which saw soldiers on both sides of the battle unite under the common cause of football.

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All the children who came together for the tournament (Image: Children's Football Alliance)

Looking to emulate that moment of history and keep the tradition alive, schools and young footballers from Barrow and Furness got involved with the tournament.

The official ceremony marked the 'historic occasion' before the 'tournament for peace' began.

The Peace Pitch pledged to host annual games around November 11 each year, ensuring that the tournament can grow to be a well-loved tradition in the area.

Read more: Barrow: Hundreds turn out for Remembrance Day parade | The Mail

Six schools were involved with the tournament at Boyd Park (Image: Children's Football Alliance)

Special guest Barrow Mayor Councillor Judith McEwan unveiled the Peace Field plaque at Boyd Park on behalf of Peace Ambassador and Barrow Celtic Juniors’ 'coaching legend', Dennis Boyd.

Representatives from St George’s Church of England School led a short ceremony at the end of the tournament, with the unveiling of the plaque being followed by the signing of the Declaration for Peace certificate by Boyd's sister, Jean. 

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A spokesperson from St George's commented: "A respectful and wonderful day yesterday for Remembrance with the minutes silence and children working to make the experience thoughtful and meaningful.

"All the children were so respectful, and we are only the 75th in the world [to be twinned with Flanders]."

Boyd Park was officially twinned with the Flanders Peace Field (Image: St George's C of E School)

The nationwide project is organised through the social football initiative ‘Step up and Play’, which sees schools come together to compete in friendly tournaments to recapture the scenes at the Flanders Peace Field.

The idea is not just to commemorate the First World War and the Christmas Truces but also to 'celebrate peace through reflecting on a moment in history that inspires humanitarianism'.