October 2 – Brentford’s G-Tech Community Stadium will host a historic reignition of football rivalry between New Zealand and Australia later this month, as the ‘soccer ashes’ returns after a 69-year hiatus.
The Soccer Ashes trophy, which was believed to be lost after going missing in 1954, was recovered in the garage of former Australian Soccer Federation Association chair Sydney Story.
Within the trophy are the ashes of cigars smoked by George Campbell, New Zealand’s captain, and Alex Gibb, his Australian counterpart, after a historic 1923 encounter. These remnants are in a silver-plated razor case that had been carried by Private William Fisher during the Gallipoli landing of 1915.
This trophy bears an emotional weight, embodying the Anzac spirit—a testament to the shared virtues that soldiers from both nations exemplified on the battlefields of World War I.
The reintroduction of the trophy adds an added element to the trans-Tasman clash, with London-based Kiwis and Australians expected to fill the G-Tech stadium.
New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell said: “Since the Soccer Ashes trophy was rediscovered, locking in a game against Australia to play for them was a top priority.
“This trophy represents not just the shared footballing history of our two countries but also the shared history of our two nations in general, so it will be a special occasion to see it competed for.”
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson agreed, adding: “The trophy is a powerful symbol of the many ties that bind our two nations.
“We’re delighted to provide the many Australian and New Zealand expats living in London and throughout Europe with the opportunity to support their respective national teams live, and I’d like to thank the team at Brentford Football Club for hosting us at Gtech Community Stadium.”
Tickets to the Soccer Ashes game are on sale from between £12 for under-17s, £to £16 for adults.
The game kicks will be played Tuesday October 17.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714363089labto1714363089ofdlr1714363089owedi1714363089sni@g1714363089niwe.1714363089yrrah1714363089