Stronger Together - Exciting football for a good cause

Brunssum, the Netherlands – Inspired by the Commander’s motto, "Stronger Together," Joint Forces Command Brunssum (JFCBS) delivered the annual International Small Field Football Tournament for 2018. Patron of the event, General Riccardo Marchió, oversaw a total of 57 teams (with more than 500 players from a total of 21 nations) play football in four major competitions for the ‘Popular Challenge Cups’ of the biggest military football tournament in Europe.

In his opening speech General Marchió urged the military and civilian teams present to represent their nations by playing football with the sportsmanship and passion of their professional national teams. The teams then played for the Brunssum Delegations Cup, the Ladies Cup, the Oldies Cup and the Youngsters Cup.

Referencing the recent FIFA Football World Championship, General Marchió remarked that "Italy has at least qualified for his tournament.” The Commander emphasized that ‘playing the game’ was only one part of the event and that the main aim of this great occasion was to support social interaction, team spirit, mutual support, respect, tolerance and fitness.

Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office