31 July 2024
The British Royal Engineers Association Football Club toured south-east Queensland in June, with the Australian Army's 7th Brigade hosting the team.
Founded in 1863, the club was one of the strongest sides in English football in the 1870s, winning the FA Cup in 1875.
The tour kicked off with matches against Australian Army South-East Qld men and women’s teams.
The women’s match was a one-sided affair with the Australian Army winning 12-0.
Sapper Tamita Balanco, who was voted woman of the match, said it was her first experience playing football with Defence, and having it against the British engineers made it special.
“The matches were very beneficial for relationship-building. After the matches ended, we had an opportunity to get to know the British team and understand what work and life is like for them back home," Sapper Balanco said.
“Getting to know the British team gave me a new perspective on the similarities and differences of our British counterparts and I think it’s only fair that we have a re-match on their home ground.”
The men’s game was a more even affair, with Major Mark Strickland’s side narrowly defeated by the Brits 2-0.
Tour coordinator Major Ian Rainbow, a British Engineer alum now with 7th Brigade's 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, said it was a great opportunity to play against a side with a rich history and high standards.
“The experience of coaching against highly experienced and qualified coaches who coach at that level regularly each year demonstrates how far Australian Army football has progressed over the past five years,” he said.
“The display by all teams also demonstrated the benefits of the Army Football Championships, and getting as many Australian Army players playing as often as possible at the highest levels.”
Major Strickland said despite his side’s defeat, it was a good showing and evidence of the growing quality of football in the Australian Army.
“The SE Qld team played with real passion and belief, and in the end, one player from the Brits had that little bit of extra quality and scored a brace,” he said.
“It was an excellent experience for both sets of players, coaches and supporters. Hopefully, one day, we can travel to the UK and play.
“Some friendships were built during the period, and we hope the British engineers can revisit us again in the future, and possibly play in the Army National Championships as a guest team.”
The following week, the Royal Australian Engineers brought together players from all over Australia, with several joint training sessions and bonding activities held before the games.
The Royal Australian Engineers women’s side racked up an impressive 8-0 win, while the Royal Australian Engineers men’s team lost 5-0.
