Combat2Coffee first introduced Medals2Matches back in 2022 in collaboration with Ipswich Town Football Club. The initiative encourages members of the armed forces and veterans to wear their medals to a dedicated football match with pride.
It’s our mission to honour former service personnel and highlight just how many heroes are seated in the stands each week.
Medals2Matches isn’t just about giving veterans a great day out – it’s about encouraging conversation and creating connections.
Every year we hear stories of how the event has helped people speak out regarding their wellbeing – and that’s what it’s all about.
Ipswich in 25/26
Ipswich Town FC proudly provided 50 free tickets to veterans for the 4th November match. Many more veterans who were already season ticket holders were in attendance, with all current and former armed forces personnel encouraged to wear their medals to the match with pride.
Before the match, veterans gathered in Ipswich town centre, where 87-year-old veteran Phil Hubert delivered a moving performance of The Last Post.
The group continued their journey to Portman Road, with pipers leading the way and filling the moment with pride and reflection.
Adding to the significance of the event, Combat2Coffee Patron Terry Butcher delivered a mental health talk in the FanZone before kick-off, helping spark important conversations and support within the veteran community.
Rangers FC
Following three successful years at Portman Road, the Medals2Matches concept has now begun to expand beyond Ipswich.
On Sunday, October 29 2025, the first event outside Suffolk was held at Rangers Football Club during their fixture against Heart of Midlothian at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow.
Our Patron Terry Butcher, who played for Rangers from 1986 to 1990 after his time at Ipswich Town, was also in attendance to support the occasion.
Taking Medals2Matches Across Football
Medals2Matches has already demonstrated the power of bringing football and the Armed Forces community together at Ipswich Town and Rangers. The ambition is now to build on that success and create a scalable initiative that can be adopted by football clubs across the UK.
Clubs can select a fixture at any point during the season that best fits their calendar, community strategy and charitable priorities. The format can be adapted to suit each club, its supporters, it’s charitable arm and its local Armed Forces community.
One fixture can create a moment.
Multiple clubs can create a movement.
