On Sunday 10th May 1109 (Thetford) Squadron took part in the fifth Air Cadet Sportivate Cup final’s day at Bury St Edmunds RFC.
The initiative which is funded through Sportivate and coordinated by Suffolk Sport, Active Norfolk and Norfolk and Suffolk Wing provides cadets the opportunity to have expert touch rugby training from their local club, building up towards the ‘finals day’.
The team of 10 from 1109 squadron enjoyed a number of training sessions supported by Thetford RFC and their progression, teamwork and enthusiasm towards the new sport showed when they finished joint 5th out of 22 teams, coming first in their mornings qualifying group with 4 victories and 1 draw.
The afternoons games proved challenging, against tough opponents and required plenty of stamina and teamwork from the cadets on what was an extremely warm day. Team captain, Cadet Flight Sergeant Tommy Lawrence said ‘the experience was great fun and it was fantastic to see the cadet’s enthusiasm both on the pitch and supporting on the side lines. The sportsmanship from the teams was commendable and our cadet’s teamwork and attitude throughout was rewarded by nearly all the cadets scoring tries’.
Squadron Sports Officer, Civilian Instructor Daniel Cooper added ‘It has been fantastic to be involved with this initiative, watching the cadets work hard, enjoy themselves and gel as a team throughout the training. I would like to thank Thetford RFC for supporting with coaching which was a new sport for many of the cadets’.
The competition is in its fourth year and continuing to grow throughout the wing. The cadets were also lucky enough to spend time with England Rugby World Cup winner, Rachel Burford who provided some advice on pursuing a career in rugby and had time for a photograph.
Four squadrons took part in the first year and it is the planning committees aim to have all 29 squadrons within the wing represented in 2016!