Under-12s Truce Tournament called off due to safety concerns
The Premier League has cancelled its annual Truce Tournament which was due to take place in Ypres, Belgium, from December 10-13 over safety concerns.
Tournament organisers called off the under-12s event, which is designed to commemorate those who lost their lives in the First World War, in the wake of Belgium raising its terror alert to the highest level last weekend.
“Following consultation with our clubs, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Belgian authorities, the Premier League has made the decision to postpone its annual Truce Tournament which was due to take place in Ypres, Belgium, from 10-13 December,” a Premier League spokesman said.
"It's something they'll never forget" - U12 coach James Simmonds after @chelseafc won the Christmas Truce Tournament pic.twitter.com/nqdEuLwb4F
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 14, 2014
Clubs from France, Germany, Belgium and the Premier League have sent teams to compete in each of the last four years, with the youngsters also taken on visits to memorials and the Menin Gate.
Premier League director of youth Ged Roddy added: “We are disappointed to postpone the Truce Tournament as it has been extremely beneficial to the development of the young players who have taken part in previous years.
“But the safety of those due to be involved is our first priority and the advice we received from statutory authorities is that the event could only have proceeded with additional security measures put in place.
“Given this is a fun and educational football tournament for under-12 academy players and community project participants we feel it is unnecessary to put them into that environment and will work with clubs and stakeholders to rearrange the event in 2016.”
