RNAS Culdrose Football Club recently celebrated 70 years within Cornish and Royal Navy football with an anniversary dinner held in Falmouth.
They were joined by two very special guest speakers, who were reunited for the first time since playing on opposing sides in the World Cup Finals group match in Malaga in 1982.
Former Aston Villa European Cup Winner and Scotland international Allan Evans was joined by Sam Malcolmson, the former Airdrie, Queen of the South and New Zealand international, who started his footballing career at the Bill Pearce Sports Pavilions for RNAS Culdrose FC.
Sam went on to become a professional footballer after leaving the Royal Navy in 1971, before emigrating to New Zealand in 1974.
Both provided all who attended with a fascinating insight into playing for your country and life within a World Cup Squad camp.
Players from the past five decades were there to enjoy the evening along with Life President Bill Pearce who refereed Sam Malcolmson on many occasions during his time in Cornwall, where he also played for Falmouth Town and Bodmin Town.
Club Chairman Lieutenant Commander Andrew Plenty captured what the evening meant to everyone at the club by saying; “RNAS Culdrose Football Club is unique within both Cornish and Services football.
“We have more teams, and play more football, than any other establishment within the UK Armed Forces, and have done so now for 70 Years, playing in both the local leagues and Royal Navy competitions.
“To have Sam and Allan celebrate with us was a wonderful experience and we are extremely grateful that they gave their time to join us for our anniversary and make the evening even more memorable.”
Sam Malcolmson presented the Club with a distinctive “All Whites” New Zealand football jersey with Malcolmson and the No11 on the back - the number that he wore during that memorable game against Scotland in 1982.
It will take pride of place within the Pavilion at RNAS Culdrose.
