Soccer enthusiasts from around the region paid homage to the World War I Christmas Truce on Saturday by participating in the third annual Truce Tournament hosted by Sporting Club, the National World War I Museum and Memorial and The Soccer Lot.
Approximately 170 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 screens inside the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Barilleros FC, from Kansas City, eventually claimed the Truce Tournament title in the competition league by defeating Miracles of the Marine 5-4 in the championship match. In the recreation league, Kansas City-based Cristo Rey Balopmie topped MarryMakers United 6-5 to claim the title.
"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 Memorial is a symbol 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 Truce Tournament is a tribute to 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.
“The Christmas Truce was a remarkable event during the world’s first truly global conflict,” said National World War I Museum and Memorial President & CEO Dr. Matthew Naylor. “There are substantial lessons to be learned from those soldiers who displayed an unbelievable amount of humanity in the midst of horrific warfare and the Truce Tournament allows us to recognize and understand how the Great War continues to impact the world today.”
"We're super excited to be a part of The Truce Tournament this year," said Ian Mohrmann, Owner/President of The Soccer Lot. It's become a great soccer tradition in Kansas City. There's always a great vibe on and off the field between players and people who come to watch the EPL games. Wonderful event set against the backdrop of one of Kansas City's finest landmarks."
In addition to Sporting Club, the National World War I Museum and Memorial and The Soccer Lot, event sponsors include Ivy Funds, Central States Beverages, the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of Kansas City, Missouri, The Roasterie, Uber, Breakout KC, Sports Radio 810 AM and Up/Down KC. 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 and Memorial.