Premier League partner supports troops

Premier League broadcast partner Sky Sports is supporting the troops in Afghanistan.

Soccer AM and Ford Super Sunday have scheduled special features in this weekend's programming as Sky Sports visits the armed forces based at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

Soccer AM's 'Rocket' and Premier League touchline reporter Geoff Shreeves made the trip to Helmand Province earlier this week to meet troops who will be spending this Christmas away from home.

Speaking of the expedition so far, Shreeves said: "It's been an incredible trip; we feel privileged to be here and to receive such a welcome from all the troops has been overwhelming. To see how hard the servicemen and women work out here and the testing conditions they deliver their expertise is a real eye-opener. It's been fantastic to have had the military's involvement this weekend."

Group Captain van den Berg, Commander of Camp Bastion said: "Hosting the boys from Soccer AM and Super Sunday has been a real treat for those of us in Afghanistan.

"What many people back in the UK may not realize is that BFBS shows both Sky Sports 1 and 2, and if forms a really important part of Bastion life; not just for all the Servicemen and women, but all the civilians who serve alongside us. Rocket, Geoff and their production team have really entered into the spirit. Their fan base here is massive, hence their visit has really lifted the morale of all the troops."

Soccer AM - Saturday 18th December

This Saturday morning, Soccer AM's regular features including Crossbar Challenge - a competition to kick a football from a distance and hit the crossbar of a goal - and Skill Skool - a tricks and ball skills competition between two people - have been staged inside Camp Bastion. The show's 'Fans of the week' will be made up of nationwide members of the army and Royal Air Force in Sky's west London studios. The show's regular Soccerette item features a female football fan who is a Senior Aircraft Woman from the RAF.

Super Sunday - Sunday 19th December

On Sunday afternoon, Live Ford Super Sunday will feature messages of support for troops from Premier League managers and players, while Geoff Shreeves will have assistance from members of the forces with thoughts on fixtures both pre and post match live from Helmand Province. Blackpool v Tottenham Hotspur followed by Chelsea v Manchester United forms the line up of this weekend's Super Sunday and both fixtures will be screened in the Camp.

The special forces weekend can be seen on Soccer AM from 10am to 12pm on Sky Sports HD2 and Sky 1HD on Saturday 18th December, and Live Ford Super Sunday coverage starts on Sky Sports HD1 from 1pm on Sunday 19th December.

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