Northumbria Army Cadets
About Northumbria Army Cadets
Adventure Starts Here
From the Tyne to the Tweed, Northumbria Army Cadets offers young people aged 12-18 the chance to have fun, make friends and experience adventure.
We also offer adults the opportunity to join us as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) where you’ll have the chance to make a difference to the lives of young people, all whilst developing your own skills.
In over 25 locations across Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland, you’re never too far from a detachment.
Find a detachment
Our Stats
530+
Cadets
300+
Adult Volunteers
25+
Detachments
Key Information & Contacts
Colonel Mike White JP ACF
Commandant
Mike joined the Sea Cadet Corps as a Royal Marine cadet in 1977 - reaching the rank of Cadet RSM. During his time with the SCC, he was a detachment commander (3 different units), Mike Joined Northumbria ACF Nov 1996 and was promoted to AUO in 1997 (Detachment Commander), 2Lt 1999, Lt 2001 and Captain 2003. Mike was the County catering officer between 1997-2006 as well as being County sports officer 1999-2004. He served a term as County adjutant between 2002-2008 prior to being promoted to Major in 2008. Mike left NACF for an ACFA National outreach officer role (North and Scotland) between 2008-2009 prior to joining Durham ACF in 2009 with responsibility for special projects, community liaison, outreach and as OC senior cadre training. Stepping away from Durham and the ACF in 2012 to pursue his professional career, he re-joined Durham in 2020, and was later promoted to Lt Col (Dep Comdt) Northumbria in 2021. Colonel White assumed the post of Commandant NACF in August 2024.
Lieutenant Colonel Steve Matthews JP
Deputy Commandant
Steve joined Northumbria ACF in March 2021 as Medical Support Officer (MSO) having carried out that same position at Cleveland ACF since the introduction of the role into the Army Cadet Force. He has a wealth of experience gained from some four decades in uniform, firstly as cadet then as a junior and Regular Soldier in the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), the police service (where he served in both uniform and as a detective), and more latterly as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer and a Cadet Force Commissioned Officer. He joined the Army Cadet Force in 2006, commissioning in 2007, he has carried out a variety of leadership roles within the ACF, with the MSO role of particular interest to him having served as a combat medical technician during his time in the Army. Steve served as Officer Commanding W Company before being appointed to his current role. Steve assumed the post of Deputy Commandant NACF in August 2024.
Major Wayne Emmerson
Cadet Executive Officer (CEO)
Major Emmerson began his military involvement as a cadet with NACF at Slatyford Detachment in 1973, before joining the Army in 1976 as a junior leader in the Coldstream Guards. He served for the next 24 years as an infantry soldier with both battalions and saw service in Germany, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Falkland Islands, Brunei, Kenya, Australia, Canada, Bosnia, Poland, Iraq and Afghanistan. During his career he served in support weapons, recce platoon and in the armoured infantry battalion. He was the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) at the Army Apprentice College and Senior WO1 at the Infantry Training Centre (Catterick), looking after all the Phase I and 2 infantry intake. He then took a Regular Army Commission as a Late Entry Officer in 2002 with the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Medical Support Officer, looking after training and equipment support. He held appointments as the Training Officer, and the Quartermaster with 16 Air Assault Brigade, finishing off as the Officer Commanding Support Squadron 5 Medical Regiment and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. He then moved to 201 Field Hospital as the Quartermaster (FTRS) before retiring with 43 years continuous service at 60. He has now been the CEO of Northumbria ACF since 2020.
W Company
Alnwick
Amble
Berwick
Broomhill
Rothbury
X Company
Bedlington
Cowpen
Cramlington
Guidepost
Morpeth
Newbiggin
Y Company
Excelsior Academy
Fenham
Hexham
Kingston Park
Ponteland
Prudhoe
Slatyford
Z Company
Gosforth
Heaton
Killingworth
Monkseaton
Tynemouth
Walker
If you’re interested in finding out more about what we do, you can find your local detachment here.
You are welcome to pop along during the time shown to meet the adult volunteers and other cadets who attend. You’ll have the opportunity to get a taste of Army Cadet training.
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Success Stories
Training in Cyprus with Northumbria ACF was an unforgettable experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, built my confidence, and taught me real teamwork. I’ve made great friends and learned skills I’ll carry with me for life.
Latest News & Media Updates
Get all the latest news from detachments across the UK, including inspiring stories, amazing expeditions, and upcoming events.
From Soldier to Volunteer: SSgt Dean Bridgman’s Story
9 July 2026
Army Cadet International Exchange 2026
2 July 2026
From Devon to Kathmandu: Connecting Through Cadetship
23 June 2026
Contact Information
For more information, please email or contact us using the details below. Please note that these are monitored during our office hours of 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday.
County HeadquartersFox Barracks
High Pit Road
Cramlington
Northumberland, NE23 6RA
- Email us: ne-nor-ao@rfca.org.uk
- Call us: 01670 732323
Join Army Cadets today!
Join the Army Cadets to embark on an exciting adventure, develop valuable skills, and build lifelong friendships for young people aged between 12 and 18.
