Good one, Rob.
This was Peter Vranjkovic's, an executive at Sapperton Rovers, idea. He applied and received a grant from the BC gov't to promote the province's 150 year anniversary. Since the 1st football game in BC was in New Westminster, we decided to re-enact the game.
The
1862 game was between the Royal Engineers (or Sappers) and the local town's folk. The outcome was never recorded. Thus the 2008 outcome will establish past history
- and we wanted to be apart of that history!
The game is:
Sat, May 24, 2008. 3PM at Queens Park Stadium..
A mix of older, younger, and past Sapperton Rovers and New West players and coaches will participate.
We have bought the vintage 1862 jerseys for both teams - knickers, stripped uni's, socks - the works. Programs of the rules will be available to all that attend. The rules are a mix of rugby and soccer; in those days it was a very aggressive game (suits me just fine!
). I really hope it doesn't get out of hand because it has the potential to do so.
We have politicians attending from all levels of gov't and there will be a lot of media attention.
'God Save The Queen' will be sang prior to the game. Dancers will perform at half time.
And the beer garden is open!!!!
It will be a great day. I hope the soccer (and for that matter, the rugby) community come out and see how football was played 150 years ago.
Bryan Wevers