Soccer enthusiasts from around the region paid homage to the centennial of the World War I Christmas Truce from 1914 on Friday by participating in the second annual Truce Tournament hosted by Sporting Club, the National World War I Museum, KC Crew and LiveKC.
Approximately 160 participants from 29 teams in the area competed in a 3v3 soccer tournament, while additional soccer fans attended the English Premier League Boxing Day watch party on large projection screens inside the National World War I Museum. The Miracles of the Marne from Liberty, Mo. eventually claimed the Truce Tournament title in the competitive league by defeating Dirty Mike and the Boys 7-6 in overtime in the championship match. In the recreation league, Bang from Blue Springs, Mo. topped Comets Express 7-5 to claim the title.
GALLERY:A selection of photos from Friday's event
The Truce Tournament is a tribute to the centennial of the Christmas Truce of 1914 in which the battles of World War I on the Western and Eastern Fronts temporarily subsided. Members of both sides laid down their arms in a time of war to celebrate a day of peace by venturing out to “No Man's Land” to exchange gifts, sing carols and play soccer.
"At Sporting, we are fiercely proud of Kansas City and the renewed spirit of entrepreneurship and optimism that is bubbling up in our hometown. The National World War I Museum and the Liberty Memorial are symbols of that spirit, and we couldn’t be happier to partner with them to help drive that message," said Sporting Kansas City Chief of Staff Greg Cotton. “Kansas Citians came together nearly 100 years ago and made a massive statement not only to the country, but to the world – Kansas City matters. We’re an important city on the national landscape and the world stage, and we are proud to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country."
“The Christmas Truce of 1914 was a remarkable event during an incredibly intense period of time,” said National World War I Museum President & CEO Dr. Matthew Naylor. “Without question, there are lessons to be learned from those soldiers who displayed an unbelievable amount of humanity, while the Truce Tournament also gives the National World War I Museum another opportunity to educate the public about the Great War and its enduring impact on the world.”
In addition to Sporting Kansas City, the National World War I Museum, KC Crew and LiveKC, event sponsors include the Boulevard Brewing Company, Central States Beverage Company, Ivy Funds, the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of Kansas City, Missouri, The Roasterie, Sprint and Yelp. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Victory Project in its mission to help kids thrive through life’s challenges as well as the National World War I Museum.
