On Saturday night, Melbourne City FC will host the Blue Ribbon Cup in the Club’s Hyundai A-League match against Sydney FC.
Celebrated by the Club since 2011 once a season in traditional clashes against Sydney FC, the Blue Ribbon Cup raises awareness for the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s work with the footballing community, and most importantly, pays tribute to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the life of duty.
The Blue Ribbon Cup Best on Ground Award is named in memory of Senior Constable Tony Clarke, an avid football supporter, husband and father, who was murdered with his own firearm after a routine traffic stop to administer a preliminary breath test in Launching Place in the early hours of Sunday 24th April, 2005.
Senior Constable Clarke was described as an efficient and dedicated police member who was highly regarded by his colleagues and superiors.
Victoria Police Soccer Club’s (VPSC) Senior Sergeant Ron Sinclair APM said, “Tony was an active VPSC playing member and an avid Liverpool supporter. Remembering his life, sporting passion and sacrifice through football means so much to every VPSC member.”
Tony’s father, John Clarke, will present the Tony Clarke Award at the conclusion of the match.
Melbourne City FC Head Coach Warren Joyce said;
“It’s a real honour for us to be competing for the Blue Ribbon Cup on Saturday and I’m sure it means a lot to those a part of the Victorian Police as well.”
“Recognising those who have made the ultimate sacrifice is important to us as a Club so it’s great to be a part of it.”
Melbourne City FC Captain Michael Jakobsen said.
“For the Club to be a part of the Blue Ribbon Cup for its eighth season now is something everyone here is really proud of. We can’t wait to get out there and do our best for those who have passed away in the line of duty.”
About Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation
The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation perpetuates the memory of the 159 Victoria Police who have died in the line of duty, through the support of worthwhile community projects within Victoria. To date 53 projects have been completed, providing critical infrastructure and equipment to public hospitals across Victoria, named in honour of members of Victoria Police who died in the line of duty.
The Foundation has established community programs such as the Spirit of Sport awards which were created to reward young participants in team sport for sporting behaviour, fair play and mutual respect. In partnership with various sporting bodies and Victoria Police, the program is widely supported in football and netball throughout country Victoria.
The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation continues to be actively involved within the community. We aim to encourage the public to remember the sacrifice of those who have died in the line of duty, and to show all employees of Victoria Police that their work and commitment is valued by a caring community.
We are proud to have contributed over $8 million to hospital and community projects.
