In pictures: Crossing the Field

Photographer Jurgen Vantomme’s pictures of football matches taking place across Belgium are part of an exhibition called Crossing the Field: WWI, Football and the Christmas Truce.
Artists of different nationalities present their own varied perspectives of World War One and the humanity behind the 1914 Christmas truce, a few hours of impromptu ceasefire on 25 December 1914, when German and British troops mingled and played football in no man's land on the Western Front.
Jurgen Vantomme took this photograph in 2010 at the club that was then KFC Eeklo, now called FCE Meetjesland. "They suffered financial problems and went from the second to the seventh division," said Vantomme.
“This team, KV Tervuren, is situated not far from Brussels, plays in a nice park," said Vantomme. "They've built 'business seats' so two elderly fans are protected against the rain and wind.”
At RFC Huy, youth teams from the nearby town play at this football ground near the Tihange nuclear power station.
“Maldegem is a small Belgian town, in which the local amateur club plays at a pitch near the old Sobemai factory," said Vantomme. "Years ago, the boss of that factory bought some train wagons, which he planned to turn into some form of amusement park. Those plans never quite materialised but the wagons are still there, beside the football ground.”
Union Zandvoorde are based in a small town near Ostend. The team was formed at the nearby factory UCB (Union Chimique Belge) and they play in the eighth division.
“When former first division club Berchem Sport visits the municipality St Katelijne Waver, the stadium is too small for the numerous visitors. Berchem Sport played the champions on the day I took this,” said Vantomme.
Locals watch the games of former top club RC Mechelen from nearby buildings.
“Situated in the Liege suburb, close to two big teams (Standard Liege and FC Liege), Tilleur Liege fans stay loyal to their local club, which was formed in 1899,” said Vantomme.
Crossing the Field: WWI, Football & the Christmas Truce includes work by Mark Anstee, Gabi Cowburn, Paul Hodgson, Thomas Lohmann, Eric Monbel, Marc Palmer Bruno Van Dijck, Robin Vermeersch and Jurgen Vantomme.
The exhibition can be seen at Pitzhanger Manor House and Gallery Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, London from 8 November 2014 to 10 January 2015.

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