21 January 2020
Sports Weekend - Football and Rugby
Friday 17 January 2020 saw 60 cadets from across the county come together for a weekend of sports and adventurous training, led by SSI Jordan Bullman, at Waterbeach Cadet Training Centre.
Once the briefing was completed, Friday evening gave the cadets a chance to catch up with friends in other Companies before settling down for the night.
A cold, clear and crisp Saturday morning greeted the cadets and after a hot and hearty breakfast were transported to Impington Village College pitches to begin training.
SMI Lee Harris from 3 Company led the rugby, and the levels of experience ranged from those who had never played before, to those who represented local clubs. Over the course of the day they carried out practice drills on tackling and passing and enjoyed several games.
Cpl Jack Babcock from St Ives and Cdt Dennis Selway from Walton, both experienced footballers with Level 2 football coach qualifications, led the day's training for the remaining cadets, again focusing on building up skills before finishing with several games.
The fading sunset brought training to an end and after hot showers and a hot meal, most cadets used the evening to relax and recover, while others caught up with the Duke of Edinburgh Officer, Under Officer Ros Whyall.
Sunday saw the cadets also take part in activities to build on their teamwork, communication and coordination skills through group command tasks, shooting on the archery range, climbing the mobile climbing tower and completing STEM challenges.
The weekend proved successful in encouraging many to sign up for the County rugby and football teams and they will be competing against other Counties in the next few months.
Report by 2Lt Vicky Houghton
Pictures by PI Doug Stuart
