Images by GGC Media
MOSSLEY reverberated to a different sound as football teams from twin town Hem came to face home youngsters on the pitch.
It is not often the football ground is referred to as ‘Stade de Seel Park’ or ‘Bonjour, je m’appelle Pep’ echoes over its tannoy.
But the Mossley Junior International Football Tournament was a different day that further cemented relations between the towns.
Three sides from Olympique Hemois faced five from Mossley Juniors in a series of small-sided games on Sunday, April 27.
The flagpole at Seel Park carried both the Union Flag and the Tricolore as a spirit of bonhomie dominated.
Children from both sides of the English Channel stood in the centre of the pitch and talked like they were mates.
And Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Betty Affleck, was guest of honour, receiving flowers from both clubs and conducting a ceremonial kick off.
Ahead of both national anthems being played, chair of Mossley Town Council, Cllr Frank Travis, told why bringing the event back to the calendar was so important – bolstering the 53-year relationship between the towns.
He said: “It’s a day to remember, sharing another piece of Mossley’s history.
“This is a celebration of people and communities.”
Cllr Affleck added: “I’m delighted to be here. Town twinning has been important to heritage of Mossley and Hem.”
After the 30 matches, played across Seel Park over six exhausting hours as the sun came out, it was one of the home club’s teams that came out victorious.
But talks have already started about Mossley Juniors heading to Hem in future, and maybe even teams from German partners Wiehl joining in.