We're making sure the bravery of the footballers, fans and officials who fought and died 100 years ago is never forgotten by creating a national memorial at our First World War Centenary Wood.

Your club deserves to be represented in our football groves. Read more

Edward Lightfoot

Tottenham Hotspur

Edward Lightfoot played more than 60 league games for Tottenham before joining the Royal Garrison Artillery in 1916. He was wounded in action and died of his wounds on 20 July 1918.
Read more

The footballers who went to war

Over 200 professional footballers enlisted to join the war effort, and many never came home. We’re proud to work with the British Army Football Association to create our national woodland memorial to make sure their bravery and sacrifice is always remembered. Watch their tribute video and find out how you can get involved.

Manchester United

Support this appeal to help remember the Manchester United players who fought during the First World War.

Did you know football players from your club sacrificed their future to join up and fight in the First World War?

Read about our tribute

Latest news

Evelyn Lintott: the defender who went to war

The death of England international Evelyn Lintott on 1 July, 1916, was national news. Many newspapers carried reports of his death in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, but none was more heartfelt than that written by his brother Frederick, the sports editor of the Bradford Telegraph. In a series of articles, he wrote his brother’s life story. Read more
Woodland Trust – County FA Blog – Aldermere AFC

In 1914 and 1915 tens of thousands of amateur footballers volunteered to serve in the British armed forces. Clubs across the country contributed their share to Lord Kitchener’s call for volunteers, including one on the edge of Greater Manchester; Aldermere AFC. Read more
County Football Association's first blog

Between 1914 and 1915 Britain raised the second largest volunteer army in history Read more
Commemorating the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps on their centenary

Women didn't just serve on the home front but behind the front lines too! Find out more about the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and the centenary of their first deployment. Read more
Sir Bobby Charlton becomes Manchester United’s Club Champion

Manchester United and England football legend, Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, becomes Club Champion. Read more