Play to the whistle...

This weekend there will be no complaining, venting of frustration or carrying on regardless when the referee's whistle blows.

For 2 minutes, 2 teams will stop, reflect and pay thanks for the lost generations and the victims of almost forgotten wars and battles that continue in private. Football has a long history with the tragedy of armed conflict - the numerous grounds with Spion Kop stands remembering the Boer War where both Churchill & Gandhi witnessed the carnage, the 1914 Christmas Truce at Ypres when men came out of their trenches to kick a ball and the immortal words by Bob Paisley in 1977 recalling his role in the liberation of Rome before the European Cup Final.

There is no glory in guns. The death and destruction in conflict, affects those in the armed services, causes civilian casualties and leaves long-healing scars that can resurface if the lessons are not learned. Almost all have no choice with their involvement, either being sent in to battle by power-hungry politicians, defending freedoms or protecting others from persecution... but they pay with their lives, live with the legacy and mourn the missing.

War is usually a result of ignorance, intransigence and imperialism and it is left to others to say sorry for the sacrifice of so many... too many, that are caught up in the crossfire.

White Roding 45s will not do battle with Chipping Ongar at the end of 120 seconds this weekend... we will not fight... we will not want to destroy. Instead we will compete, challenge and then celebrate whatever the score with the opposition.

The football we play will remain fearlessly-friendly, unapologetically-upbeat and mutually-magnanimous. If circumstances allow, please give generously to the Royal British Legion as they help soldiers, veterans & their families, or the International Red Cross in their work with victims, refugees & orphans of war.