Newyddion a'r Cyfryngau
Cenedlaethol
13 Hydref 2026
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Cadets Put Their Skills to the Test at Elworthy Trophy 2026

Twelve cadet teams from across London competed in the Elworthy Trophy 2026, testing their teamwork, leadership, and military skills through a series of challenging activities.

Cadets Take on the Elworthy Trophy Challenge 

Twelve cadet teams from across Greater London came together on Saturday 3 October 2026 for the annual Elworthy Trophy competition, held at St Dunstan’s College in London. 

The competition brought together young people from the Army Cadet Force (ACF), Sea Cadets, Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Llu Cadetiaid Cyfunol (CCF), all competing for the prestigious Elworthy Sword. 

Designed to challenge cadets both physically and mentally, the competition tested a wide range of skills, including teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, cymorth cyntaf and marksmanship. 

Four Army Cadet teams represented Greater London, demonstrating the skills, determination, and resilience they developed through cadet training. 

Ten Challenges to Test Cadet Skills 

Throughout the day, teams competed across ten challenging activity stands, earning points based on their performance and ability to apply their knowledge and skills. 

The challenges included: 

  • Deadweight Pull: Testing physical strength, endurance and teamwork. 
  • First Aid Scenario: Demonstrating practical first aid knowledge and the ability to respond under pressure. 
  • Escape Room: Testing problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. 
  • STEM Challenge: Applying science, technology, engineering and mathematics knowledge to practical tasks. 
  • Bouldering: Challenging physical agility, determination and confidence. 
  • Patrol Lane: Testing observation, awareness and practical cadet skills. 
  • Rowing: Assessing physical fitness and endurance. 
  • Laser Shotgun – March & Shoot: Combining movement, concentration and shooting accuracy. 
  • Archery: Demonstrating focus, precision and control. 
  • Marksmanship – Air Rifle: Testing shooting skills and accuracy. 

Army Cadet Teams Represent Greater London 

Four Army Cadet teams took part in the competition, representing: 

The Army Cadet teams competed alongside representatives from the Sea Cadets, Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Combined Cadet Force. 

Regardless of the final results, the event gave all participants a chance to build confidence, strengthen friendships and demonstrate the value of teamwork. 

14F Squadron Claims the Elworthy Trophy 

Following a competitive day of activities, 14F (Northolt) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets were announced as the winners of the Elworthy Trophy 2026. 

The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, presented the winning team with the prestigious Elworthy Sword to recognise their achievement. 

Y First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps) supported the event, assisting with scoring and first aid throughout the competition. 

BFBS also attended with its Operation Ice Cream van, giving cadets a welcome break between activities. 

The History Behind the Elworthy Trophy 

The Elworthy Trophy has a long-standing history of bringing together cadets from different services across Greater London. 

The competition was established in 1978 when the late Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Lord Elworthy, retired as Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London and President of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Greater London. 

To mark his retirement, he presented his own Battle of Britain Commemorative Sword as a trophy to be competed for annually by cadets representing the three services. 

Over the years, the competition has evolved to incorporate a variety of challenges that reflect the skills taught across the cadet organisations. 

Today, the Elworthy Trophy continues to celebrate the dedication, abilities and achievements of young people involved in the Cadet Forces. 

Developing Skills for Life Through Competition 

Competitions such as the Elworthy Trophy give Army Cadets the chance to put their training into practice in a challenging, supportive environment. 

From leadership and communication to resilience and problem-solving, the activities help young people develop valuable skills that extend beyond their cadet experience. 

The Elworthy Trophy 2026 gave cadets from across London another chance to challenge themselves, build friendships, and show what they can achieve through teamwork and determination. 

Congratulations to all the cadets who participated and to 14F (Northolt) Squadron on their victory! 

Elworthy Trophy Challenge 2026

CLICIWCH UNRHYW DDELWEDD ISOD I'W WELD YN FWY

Two youths in camouflage uniforms looking through binoculars. A young man climbs a slanted outdoor rock climbing wall whilst others watch from below. A cadet in uniform writes on a piece of paper while holding a portable radio to their ear, as another person stands in the background. Three people in Army Cadet camouflage uniforms looking through binoculars outdoors. A young woman with a long plait climbs a yellow outdoor bouldering wall covered in colourful holds. A banner for the Elworthy Competition STEM Team-Building event stands in front of a group of cadets gathered on a sandy outdoor courtyard. A group of cadets in camouflage uniforms and berets work together to assemble a red plastic frame outdoors. Four cadets in camouflage uniforms retrieve arrows from two archery targets on a grassy field. Four cadets in camouflage uniforms work together to assemble a structure under a wooden shelter. A cadet in a camouflage uniform aims a shotgun at an outdoor shooting range while an instructor watches and another person prepares a firearm nearby. Three cadets in uniform and red gloves pull a rope during an outdoor team activity. Two young cadets in camouflage uniforms look through binoculars, with an adult in a suit standing blurred in the background. A cadet in camouflage uniform aiming a recurve bow on a sports field, whilst another cadet watches nearby. A group of cadets in camouflage uniforms participate in a target shooting exercise with shotguns on an outdoor field. A young man in a T-shirt and camouflage trousers climbs an outdoor climbing wall. A cadet in uniform orders an ice cream from a person working inside a camouflage-patterned British Forces Broadcasting Service van.