The BTEC Extended Diploma Sport 2^nd Year students had the pleasure of attending a presentation organised by UCFB at the Etihad Stadium.  The presentation was highlighting the role that footballers played in the First World War.  The students had the opportunity to see a variety of artefacts including Donald Bell’s Victoria Cross, which he was awarded for crossing ‘No Mans Land’ to destroy an enemy machine gun position. They also had the opportunity to listen to guest speakers, who discussed a brief history of some of the football players who served in the First World War.  Ex-professional footballer Phil Stant discussed his experiences at the Falklands War, which highlighted for everyone at the event, the realities of war.

The students were surprised to hear that despite opposition, matches were played in the Football League throughout the 1914-1915 season and the FA Cup was held as normal.  Students will study the Development of Sport and the effects that the World Wars had on sport in the United Kingdom, in Unit 12 Current Issues in Sport.