Troops dvd to England World Cup team

10th June 2010

Back to News

British troops in Afghanistan have made a dvd of messages to the England World Cup squad ahead of their first match in South Africa - the brainchild of The British Forces Foundation.

The film created such a stir that the Prime Minister David Cameron, on his visit to Afghanistan, relayed a message to the troops from England boss Fabio Capello saying that they were "the real heroes".

The message read: "While the players receive incredible support from the country as we are about to kick off in the World Cup, it is important you know how much all your efforts mean to all the players and staff with the England team.

"Your brave service to your country means so much to the players and we all have complete respect for the incredible sacrifices that you and your families have made.

"While we will be doing all that we can to achieve success in South Africa for the whole country, we want you to know that we believe that you are the real heroes."

The idea for the god luck dvd came about as a result of The British Forces Foundation's relationship with Sir Dave Richards, Chairman of the FA Premier League. In fact it was Sir Dave who took the film along with him when he flew to South Africa.

The British Forces Foundation contacted Col Tim Purbrick in Afghanistan with the request for messages  and then the fantastic Op HERRICK 12 Combat Camera Team swung into action. The result not only captured the imaginations of the England players but the whole country.

England Captain Steven Gerrard told the press: "We've watched a dvd very recently from the guys over in Afghanistan which was very inspiring and very touching. Now it's time for the players to deliver."

The British Forces Foundation would like to thank Op HERRICK 12 Combat Camera Team, Col Tim Purbrick, Sqn Ldr Neville Clayton, Capt Joanna Timmermann, Sgt Tom Robinson, Cpl Barry Lloyd and Mr Panay Triantafillides Defence Imagery Team for their work on the film.

Click here to watch the troops' dvd

Click here to watch David Cameron deliver Fabio Cappello's message to the troops