City’s first-team players visited the International Bomber Command Centre on Thursday afternoon to reflect on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women ahead of the club’s annual Remembrance fixture.
The players were given a guided tour of the centre, learning more about the history of Bomber Command and the lasting connection between the armed forces, the city of Lincoln and the wider county of Lincolnshire.
Following the visit, Adam Reach highlighted the importance of understanding the sacrifices made by previous generations and recognising the privilege of being a professional footballer.
He said: “I think for any new players especially, it’s really good to come here to the International Bomber Command Centre and really reflect on the ultimate sacrifices that servicemen and women, not just from Lincolnshire but across the UK and further afield, have made in the past.
“That allows us to be in such a privileged situation to play football as our job. It’s really important for the players to recognise that and reflect on it.”
The visit also provided an opportunity to explore the longstanding relationship between City and the armed forces, with the club continuing to support serving personnel based in and around Lincolnshire.
Reach explained how the guided tour had helped reinforce the importance of that connection.
He added: “We’ve just had a guided tour from Steve, who spoke about how much connection there is between the football club and not just Bomber Command, but the Air Force and armed services in general.
“I think we try to keep that relationship going now, with the Foundation and the club still trying to support current servicemen and women from the bases in and around Lincolnshire.
“As a whole, it’s just a really nice relationship that the club has.”
With City preparing to mark Remembrance during the upcoming fixture against Birmingham City, Reach also emphasised the responsibility players have to understand the history and community they represent.
He continued: “I think fans need to see that it’s the players’ obligation to come and understand the relationship that the club has with the city of Lincoln and the people of Lincolnshire as a whole.
“It just puts into perspective how all they ask of us as players is hard work and dedication.
“You come somewhere like this, and the sacrifices that we have to make are completely insignificant compared to what the people of this county have made in the past for us.”
City’s Remembrance fixture will provide an opportunity for supporters, players and staff to come together to honour those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
Reach added that the squad would be keen to mark the occasion with a performance to match its significance.
“We’re going to remember and reflect, and then hopefully put in a really good performance and get a result to back that up as well.”
The final tickets for home supporters have been released for this fixture - click HERE to secure your spot while there remains availability.