A-League

Adelaide United Legends to Face Australian Defence Force in Special Remembrance Round Curtain-Raiser

Published

3 weeks ago

11/05/2024

Iconic Adelaide United Players to Honor Veterans with Special Match

This Saturday, Adelaide United will host a special Remembrance Round event, featuring an exhibition match between the Adelaide United Legends, led by former coach John Kosmina, and a combined Australian Defence Force (ADF) team. The Legends team, boasting stars like Michael Jakobsen and 2016 Championship winner Michael Marrone, will take on the best players from Australia’s Navy, Army, and Air Force, all united for a cause that transcends the game.

The clash serves as the curtain-raiser for Adelaide United’s A-League showdown against Western United, offering fans a nostalgic return to beloved former players, including Lucas Pantelis, Marcos Flores, and Fabian Barbiero. Gates open at 4:15 p.m., and the Legends-ADF match will begin at 4:30 p.m. with two 30-minute halves.

Honoring the Fallen: Remembrance Ceremony at Coopers Stadium

In conjunction with the Australian Defence Force, Adelaide United will hold a special Remembrance Ceremony before the main match kicks off. This solemn tribute will feature a reading of the Ode of Remembrance, live bugle renditions of the Last Post and Rouse, and a minute of silence in honor of Australians who have died or suffered in wars and armed conflicts. Fans will have the chance to support the RSL’s Poppy Appeal, with cadets collecting donations around Coopers Stadium and red poppy badges available for purchase.

The Tomas Dale Medal, named in honor of Private Tomas Dale, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010, will be awarded to the player exhibiting the most sporting conduct in both the Legends-ADF and the Adelaide United match. John Kosmina and ADF coach Ben Cowan will select the recipient for the Legends game, marking the first time this prestigious medal will be awarded post-curtain-raiser.

Adelaide United’s Remembrance Round Tradition

Since its inception in 2011, Adelaide United’s Remembrance Round has become a meaningful tradition in the A-Leagues calendar. This year’s tribute promises a poignant experience, blending sport with solemn remembrance, and emphasizing the deep connection between the club and its community.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to witness both the Legends match and the official ceremony before Adelaide United’s clash against Western United, set for 7:05 p.m. ACDT.