SI Summer Keightley

For my day job I am on the Northampton Recreational Cricket Board where I mainly deliver cricket sessions in primary schools across Northamptonshire.

Before becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV), I was a Cadet in LNR ACF where I achieved the rank of RSM and I left in 2017.

I have achieved many things during my time in the ACF, but perhaps most importantly, I have gained more confidence. I went from not being able to speak to a group of five people, to being the leading cadet in one of the biggest county’s in the country and that is down to all the activities I did as a cadet.

The CFAV’s played a massive part in my development in the cadet force. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and pushed me to be the best me I could be, that got me to where I am today.

The ACF helped me achieve so many things that I never thought I could, so becoming a CFAV just over two and a half years ago enabled me to give back to the organisation and help the younger generations.

I have two stand out moments from my time with the Army Cadets; being the first ever Cadet to represent the British Army cricket team aged 17, that was an experience I will never forget. The second was going to South Africa for two-weeks where we got to go trekking, see the big 5 and give sports equipment to children who aren’t as fortunate as the kids in England. That was just such an overwhelming feeling.

The ACF in three words would be; rewarding, fun and challenging.