Australian Defence Force, US Marines face off in Independence Day football match

Independence Day celebrations in Darwin went ahead with a couple of tough football matches at Marrara between US Marines and Aussie sailors. See the pictures.

A Royal Australian Navy sailor and a United States Marine compete for the ball during a 4th of July soccer match held at Darwin Football Stadium, NT. 2024. Picture: Supplied.

Despite being on the other side of the planet, Independence Day celebrations took off among Darwin’s American community, with Marine Rotation Force – Darwin (MRF-D) taking to the sports field to kick start their July 4 festivities.

On Thursday evening, members of MRF-D faced off against the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) at Marrara Stadium in two hard-fought games of football across a men’s and women’s fixture.

US Marine Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Bolz hailed the unique event.

“It’s such a special opportunity to not only represent Marine Rotational Force-Darwin and the United States Marine Corps, but to play alongside our Australian allies in this special event on the 4th July,” she said.

“Sports (has) the unique ability to bring us together on a whole different level, and we’re just excited to get out there, have some fun, and form some new relationships.”

Having celebrated Independence Day around the world throughout her career, Lieutenant Colonel Bolz said Australians understood the significance of July 4 particularly well.

“Independence Day is significant for us as Marines, and we feel it even more when we’re not at home in the United States - throughout my career, I’ve celebrated the 4th of July in various locations throughout the world, but Australians here in Darwin truly understand how important it is for us and have made it an extremely memorable holiday,” she said.

“We are honoured to be able to be part of the Territory Day this week and see some fireworks since we are going to miss our July 4th firework celebrations back home.”

For the current MRF-D contingent, July will be a memorable month beyond the fun-filled festivities, with the demanding Exercise Predator’s Run taking place in the coming weeks.

The RAN won both matches in different styles, dominating the women’s game 11-0, while edging ahead in the men’s matchup 2-0.

Captain of the men’s RAN team Leading Seaman Jesse Pinto said he appreciated the opportunity to participate in such an event.

“We’re not always guaranteed to be available due to the nature of our job, so to be part of such a great event is a highlight of the year,” he said.

“Navy FFA and the football teams work all year round, so we’re definitely working on our skills and are glad we can come together and play another game of Navy football at such outstanding facilities such as the Marrara Football Stadium.”

A US Marine desperately defends her goal. Picture: Supplied.

(L-R) Petty Officer Bosun Jessie-Lee Brown, Leading Seaman Boatswain's Mate Vanessa Lee-Cheu with Mr Rowan Guyula and Mr Liam Stansfield from The Youth Mill; Leading Seaman Boatswain's Mate Tyrone Zaro and Chief Petty Officer Bosun Stuart Prette. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Rowan Guyula and Mr Liam Stansfield from The Youth Mill, conducts a Welcome to County. Picture: Supplied.

The Royal Australian Navy and United States Marine Corps men's soccer players competing for the ball. Picture: Supplied.

There was little difference between the men’s game. Picture: Supplied.

Players from the Royal Australian Navy men's soccer team line up. Picture: Supplied.

Royal Australian Navy women's soccer team with the game trophy after winning a 4th of July soccer match. Picture: Supplied.

The US Marines post-game after a hard-fought match against the RAN. Picture: Supplied.

Originally published as Australian Defence Force, US Marines face off in Independence Day football match