Socceroos to play Kiwis for ‘Soccer Ashes’ – but match won’t be held in Australia or New Zealand

Graham Arnold’s Socceroos play against New Zealand in England during the international window, just four days after taking on Gareth Southgate’s team at Wembley on October 13.

The Trans-Tasman clash on neutral ground – at a London location yet to be determined – takes on added significance after the coveted ‘Soccer Ashes’ trophy, missing since 1954, was found in a suburban garage.

Football historians in Australia were delighted with the find, with the wooden trophy missing for 69 years.

Relatives of former Australian Soccer Football Association president Sydney Storey found the item packaged — in perfect condition — in a garage while clearing out his estate.

The trophy contains the ashes of cigars smoked by Alex Gibb and George Campbell, the first captains of Australia and New Zealand respectively.

The ‘Soccer Ashes’ trophy was first created in 1923, after New Zealand beat Australia 3-2

For 30 years, the Ashes Trophy served as the prize for matches between the two nations after it was created in 1923, following the first official meeting in June of that year between the two nations.

Arnold said it was great to have shared a “soccer symbol of the competitive spirit” between Australia and New Zealand.

“Restoring the Soccer Ashes trophy is a fantastic addition to this competition, allowing us to embrace the history of the Socceroos and honor some of our national team’s early pioneers,” he said.

The match will help Australia prepare for the World Cup qualifiers in November and the Asian Cup, which begins in Qatar in January.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson was also excited about the find in the garage.

Relatives of former Australian Soccer Football Association president Sydney Storey found the item packed in a garage while cleaning up his estate – it had been missing for 69 years

The Socceroos and New Zealand will battle for bragging rights in England on October 17 (pictured, winger Mat Leckie)

“The Soccer Ashes trophy is a wonderful piece of sporting history and it was a pleasure to hear about the many storylines associated with it, which eventually led to its rediscovery earlier this year,” he said.

The trophy illustrates the ongoing bond between Australia and New Zealand and celebrates our shared love of football, as well as the rich history of both nations.

“In many ways, the creation of this trophy laid the foundation for the way our organizations work together today.

“Returning it to its rightful place as the prize that the Socceroos and All Whites play for was an easy decision.”