Last sighted in 1954, the Anzac Soccer Ashes trophy has been found.
The trophy was recently discovered by the family of Football Australia Hall of Fame Member, Sydney Storey, who served as an administrator of the game between 1922-1966.
Built by New Zealand trophy maker Harry Mayer in 1923, the Ashes were contested between Australia’s Socceroos and New Zealand’s All Whites.
Nearly 70 years passed before the grandchildren of former Australian Soccer Football Association (ASFA) Chairman Sydney Storey discovered the prized possession – in pristine condition in a suburban garage.
“The fact that the Ashes have been found is a huge win for soccer history, and also for the Anzacs both, so we’re very excited that they’re in good condition,” the Storey family stated.
“This is not just a trophy, it’s a symbol of Australia and New Zealand working together, playing together, and looking after each other – it’s really, really powerful.
“Of course, how it is used again is up to Australia and New Zealand, but at least it’s now available to the football organisations as a first step.
“In any case, this Anzac trophy is important to the history of Australia and New Zealand, as a symbol of our two countries working together, it can play an important part in celebrating the spirit of togetherness of the Anzacs.”
The trophy was revealed to Australian football historians Trevor Thompson and Ian Syson, who have conducted extensive research on the series and have previously advocated to find the lost trophy.
“This is quite possibly the greatest domestic treasure there is in the game. It is a fabulous thing to have in such good condition,” Thompson emphasised.
“It’s packed with so much imagery about the unity of the two countries, and the razor case that had been to Gallipoli referenced the recent experience of fighting shoulder to shoulder during the First World War.
“This assumed a legendary status and between both countries, built on the sacrifices that had been made by the men fighting in the armed forces from both countries against a common enemy.
“It’s an emblem more of unity than it is of opposition, which is intriguing for a trophy commemorating a sporting contest.”
Football Australia Chairman Chris Nikou claimed the recovery of the prized Anzac Soccer Ashes is a great story for the game.
“Preserving and celebrating the history of Australian football has become a renewed focus for Football Australia over recent years, where the recovery of the Anzac soccer ashes is a special moment for not only football but in trans-Tasman history.
“The story attached to these soccer ashes is extraordinary, and its journey is a symbol of the courage and camaraderie of the Anzacs, where this shared spirit continues to be demonstrated every time Australia and New Zealand take to the sporting arena.
“I would like to extend our gratitude to the Storey family for not only recovering this important piece of history but donating this item back to Australian football so that fans on both sides of the Tasman can further reflect upon the storied history between the two nations.”
