British, American football clubs honor service members Published Nov. 13, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Erin R. Babis 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The Liberty Football Club of Royal Air Forces Lakenheath and Mildenhall participated in an annual football match with the Liverpool FC military veterans to honor both Remembrance Day and Veterans Day at RAF Lakenheath, Nov. 8. "This match is an amazing opportunity dedicated to the men and women of both our nations who served in World War I and World War II," said Lt. Col. Ryan Richardson, 48th Force Support Squadron commander. The Liberty FC won the game 11-0, but as the coaches from both teams stated, the spirit of this game wasn't to compete, but to enjoy the camaraderie of the sport and remember those who have served and are currently serving their country. "A lot of these players come from military backgrounds and are military themselves," explained Staff Sgt. Shane Roten, a KC-135 Stratotanker crew chief and the Liberty FC coach. "We're playing against veterans who have previously served. There's a lot of pride in what we're doing today and what we've put together." Reg Standish, coach of the Liverpool FC and a former member of the Royal Artillery, echoed the same sentiment as he explained how his team felt about the match. "I think there's a little more feeling amongst the lads because they've all served and have seen situations," Standish said. "They've all been to Iraq or Afghanistan and have got a little different feeling toward this game." In good humor before the match, Standish recognized the age gap between the Liberty FC and the Liverpool FC. "We're all older, in our 30s and 40s," Standish said of the Liverpool FC. "These are all young 20-year-old lads, but we've been training, so hopefully we'll give them a game. It's just about taking part in it." The match was a testament to the special relationship that exists between the U.S. and the U.K., and to their service members both past and present.