Alpha Trophy Weekend

A Company, HSY Army Cadet Force (ACF), recently hosted its highly anticipated Alpha Trophy weekend at the Driffield Cadet Training Centre, an annual inter-detachment competition that puts the cadets' military skills to the test. The event saw eight Alpha Trophy teams competing for various accolades, including the prestigious Overall Winners of Alpha Trophy, Runners-Up of Alpha Trophy, Best Drill Routine, and Individual Best Shot.

The Driffield Cadet Training Centre provided a fitting backdrop for the Alpha Trophy weekend, bringing together cadets from different detachments to showcase their proficiency in various military disciplines. From marksmanship to precision drill routines, the competition was fierce, highlighting the dedication and training these young people undergo as part of their ACF experience.

This year's Alpha Trophy winners were Beverley Detachment, who secured the top position. East Hull Detachment earned the title of Alpha Trophy Runners-Up, while also excelling in the Alpha Trophy Drill Competition. The Best Individual Shot award went to Staff Sergeant Sanders from Mona House Detachment, showcasing exceptional marksmanship skills.

In addition to the competitive spirit, the weekend also featured a Basic Training Cadre, where the newest cadets immersed themselves in learning essential skills such as First Aid and Navigation. The Basic Training Cadre was made even more impactful, thanks to the support of the Senior Cadets of the company who took on the role of Platoon Commanders. These experienced cadets led the training, providing valuable mentorship and guidance to their peers as they worked towards earning their Basic Training certificate.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the Saturday evening A Company's Got Talent competition, where cadets demonstrated their diverse talents. The winners of this year's talent show were the cadets from Mona House Detachment, who captivated the audience with their creative and humorous rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas.

This year also marked the introduction of two new annual awards—the Cadet Endeavour Award and the CFAV of the Year Award, the latter being chosen by the cadets themselves. These awards were established in loving memory of the late A Company instructor, Sergeant Instructor Tony Raynor, who tragically passed away earlier in the year. Tony was a fierce advocate of the ACF, deeply passionate about everything related to the cadets. While his absence was felt during the weekend, his memory will live on through these annual trophies, recognising and celebrating outstanding cadet effort and adult volunteer contributions. This year the Cadet Endeavour Award was presented to L/Cpl Philpott from Mona House Detachment, and the CFAV of the Year Award went to 2Lt Sharon Barr.

As the Alpha Trophy weekend came to a close, A Company celebrated not just the winners of the various competitions, but the collective achievements of all cadets involved. The event served as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and community spirit that defines the ACF and its commitment to nurturing the potential of young people. The memory of Sergeant Instructor Tony Raynor, though physically absent, remains an enduring part of the ACF legacy through the newly established awards bearing his name.