Remembrance lesson for players

Ossett Town’s fitness coach Gary Devonport wants the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club’s players to mark Remembrance Sunday by considering what it stands for and use that knowledge to improve their games and lives.

By his 18th birthday, Devonport, pictured, was already embarking on his first operational tour with British forces fighting to remove Saddam Hussian from power in Iraq. In the build-up to Sunday’s memorial ceremonies around the country he urged all the First Division North club’s players from juniors to seniors at Ingfield to remember that ‘teamwork’ is at the heart of what Remembrance Sunday represents.

Devonport, who went on to serve for another seven and a half months in 2004 helping to oversee Iraq's first national elections, believes Remembrance Sunday can teach young players valuable lessons about football and life, led by the importance of teamwork and loyalty.

He said: "Time in the forces is very team orientated and I hope that all the teams at Ossett from the juniors through to the senior team realise that the team is a very important influence in being successful.

"You have got to be willing to give everything for your team mate in the pursuit of your goal, whether that be in a Tuesday night game on a rainy pitch or a battlefield in a far flung country. The message is the same, never give up on your mates."