YOUNGSTERS TAKE PART IN CHRISTMAS TRUCE PROJECT

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U12s write poems and attend Arsenal fixture

2025-12-08T12:00:00.000Z

YOUNGSTERS TAKE PART IN CHRISTMAS TRUCE PROJECT

U12s write poems and attend Arsenal fixture

2025-12-08T12:00:00.000Z

U12s write poems and attend Arsenal fixture

Our Academy U12s have recently taken part in a meaningful social action project, culminating in their involvement at the men’s first team’s game against Arsenal.

The Christmas Truce Project is a Premier League initiative that this age group are involved in every year, with the aim of learning more about the sacrifices of previous generations.

This year’s task was split into three missions, with the first being called ‘Discover.’

As part of this section, the group looked into the stories of two former Clarets who fought in World War I and World War II, respectively.

Tommy Boyle lifted the FA Cup with the Clarets as captain in 1914, while Gordon Haigh represented Burnley between 1946 and 1950.

Having done their research, the youngsters created five acrostic poems with facts about the players.

The second mission was called ‘Remember and Commemorate,’ and the players took turns in reading lines from one of the poems at the memorial service led by Burnley FC in the Community, the Club's official charity, ahead of Arsenal.

YOUNGSTERS TAKE PART IN CHRISTMAS TRUCE PROJECT - Image 1

One of the children, Charlie Swan, also laid a wreath at the cenotaph during the service, which was attended by the local community and veterans.

The third mission, called ‘Engage,’ encouraged the players to go out of their comfort zones and network with the veterans involved in BFCitC’s projects.

They learnt about their history and helped them sell poppies in and around Turf Moor, as well as standing alongside them pitch side during the minute’s silence and playing of the Last Post.

It was fantastic to hear some positive feedback from members of Gordon’s family, who attended the ceremony too.

The Christmas Truce Project is just one of many initiatives led by the Academy’s Education team throughout the calendar year.

Emphasis is placed on developing players of all ages off the pitch as well as on it, with education forming a key part of the Academy syllabus.

The Education team have close links to Player Care and Psychology, who organise various other workshops across multiple disciplines.