MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Strengthening relations with NATO allies results in greater warfighter effectiveness for both nations, and sometimes the opportunities to bond extend outside of military exercises and operations. A team of soccer players from the British armed forces squared off against a newly formed team comprised of Airmen from around MacDill.
The game started with the United States team pulling ahead 3-0 before the British team got their footing and started to make a comeback in the second half.
“It was a very competitive game,” said Lt. Luke Parr, football officer, manager and platoon commander, 3rd Battalion REME. “The Air Force played the first half better and we were the stronger team in the second half,”
According to Parr, the MacDill team was more clinical in front of the goal and played better football offensively even though they only had two training sessions together prior to the game.
“I was amazed at how cohesively the team played and everyone combined their strengths effortlessly,” said Capt. Taylor Moore, the 6th Logistic Readiness Squadron materiel management flight commander. “Having never played in a full-sided match together, there’s no doubt our military background facilitated our ability to quickly bond as a team and work together for a common goal.”
After the game, the teams packed up their stuff, cleaned up the field and headed out to share a celebratory meal.
“It was a fantastic experience playing against a close member of NATO and long-standing allies,” said Parr. “Going forward the soldiers will always remember how welcoming the team had been and we look forward to working with the United States again, on the pitch or on operations.”