Nepean Football Association sign up to ‘United We Stand’
The Nepean Football Association and its 31 affiliated clubs throughout the Nepean District have signed up to ‘United We Stand’, a NSW Government initiative which encourages sports clubs to participate in local Centenary of ANZAC commemorations.
There will be no NFA organised football matches played in the Nepean district on Saturday, 25 April 2015 to respect the 100th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand armed forces landing at Gallipoli peninsula in 1915, which marked the start of an 8 month long battle campaign that was the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Meanwhile, on the following day, Sunday 26 April 2015, all 132 scheduled football matches played throughout the Nepean district that day will start with a minute’s silence as a sign of respect and a time for reflection to honour the sacrifice of those who had laid down their lives during the war. The Nepean Referees Group, currently at strength with 175 registered referees to start the season, will be coordinating the pre-match ceremonies throughout the district.
In addition, the Penrith RSL Soccer Club home field matches played at Jamison Park on fields 8 and 9 will host a special ceremony where the Last Post and Rouse will be played, interluded by a minute’s silence and introduced by the Vietnam Veteran’s Association’s State President, Mr Greg Cant.
“On the behalf of the Nepean Football Association and all 31 member clubs, I invite and welcome all spectators and families from our Nepean community to join with us in commemorating this ANZAC Centenary event,” said Frances Refalo, President of the Nepean Football Association.
“This is a great initiative and the Nepean Referees Group is proud to be involved in this commemorative event organised by the NFA,” said Graham Chapman, Manager of the Nepean Referees Group.
“I cannot recall an event of this magnitude being organised previously by our Football community. ANZAC Day is very special to me. I am honoured to be part of this special ceremony and welcome all our community to join with us and share the commemorative occasion,” said Linda Cerone, Operations Manager, Nepean Football Association.
