THE SUSSEX ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES CHARITY CUP
The trophy is the original Cup which was presented to the Sussex County FA in 1897 by the Officers and men of the Royal Irish Rifles (subsequently Royal Ulster Rifles). The 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (based in Brighton at the time) won the Sussex Senior Cup, Brighton Shield, Charity Cup and Vernon Wentworth Cup in 1895/6 and were recognised as ‘Sussex Champions’. The trophy was presented as a permanent memento of their achievement and to raise money for charity.
Lieutenant H R Charley was the Regiment’s Sports Officer and arranged for the cup to be presented and played for as a piece of history within Sussex. In 1922, Lieutenant Charley became L/Colonel, with a CBE, and took command of the newly formed Royal Ulster Rifles, who were now based on the Isle of Wight. At this time the cup was also renamed the Royal Ulster Rifles Cup.
His son Robin Charley, also served in the Regiment reaching the rank of L/Colonel, is now retired and living back home in N Ireland. He would like to pass on his regards to all the thousands of Sussex players who already have been, and those who will be, a part of this small piece of history.
Having spoken lately with Captain Roy Vass (retired), who served with the regiment for 6 years during World War 2, he assured me that although the Royal Ulster Rifles are no longer an existing Regiment, having amalgamated with the Royal Irish Regiment, retired members formed the RUR Association, and the RUR Officers Club, which still exist to this day.
The RUR Charity Cup is still spoken about at their meetings, as loyalty is a major part of Military Life, especially within a Rifles Regiment. Although an infantry unit, that is where the similarity ends, as the rifles were the original sharp shooters (snipers) and operated as small units whereby the trust and loyalty for in the men around you was paramount.
Since its inception in 1896/7, the Sussex (R.U.R) Charity Cup has had many different formats from an end of season invitation competition to its present popular knockout style. A third of all gate receipts from the matches played in the competition goes to the SCFA Benevolent Fund for injured players.
This information was provided by Captain Roy Vass (retired) who passes on the regards from the RUR Association, and the RUR Officers Club, to all those who are involved with football in Sussex.