Players from the Boro’ Centre of Excellence and our sister club Gosport Borough Youth have been flag bearers at a prestigious armed forces football tournament taking place in the south this week.

And they will be on parade again this evening at Westleigh Park, Havant (7pm) when the United Kingdom Armed Forces team takes on their French counterparts for the Kentish Cup.

If the UK side win, they will secure the trophy for a fifth consecutive edition. On Monday the UK beat The Netherlands 3–1 and on Wednesday France beat the same opponents 4-0 to set up the title shoot-out.

The competition is in its 100th year and was founded in honour of Brigadier-General RJ Kentish CMG, DSO. It is UEFA and FIFA recognised.

The Gosport involvement comes through Mark Ayre, a coach at the club’s Centre of Excellence - where he trains the U12s and U18s - and Boro’ Youth Vice-Chair.

Mark said: “In my day job, I am a Major in the British Army and as a secondary role I am the UK’s Armed Forces (UKAF) football, Plans, Strategy and Development Officer a new role that forms part of the UKAF executive committee.

“When we were discussing flag bearers I said I had the ideal candidates. The lads have really enjoyed the experience and they have done a fantastic job. They look really smart in their Boro’ tracksuits.”

Gates open at 6pm for anyone who wants to see the game and admission is free.

Photo: thosewhitelines