Surrey Police Community Visit Opens Up New Opportunities for Young People

Young people from the local community visited the Canolfan Hyfforddi Cadetiaid, Parc Frimley on 17 August 2026 for a community engagement day with Surrey Police and the Army Cadets. 

About 15 young people took part in the visit, which was designed to introduce them to the opportunities, experiences and skills available through the Army Cadets and the wider military community. 

Discovering what the Army Cadets has to offer 

Throughout the day, the group had the opportunity to take part in a range of practical activities at CTC Frimley Park. 

The programme included command tasks such as the spider web and tyre stack challenges, as well as ration cooking, archery and a sniper stalk. The group was also given a tour of the grounds, offering an insight into the training environment used by cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) from across the country. 

The activities gave the young people a chance to try something different while developing skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving. 

More importantly, the visit was about showing them the opportunities available and encouraging them to think positively about where their choices could take them. 

Jordan Wylie shares the importance of making good choices 

Cadetiaid y Fyddin Llysgennad Cenedlaethol Jordan Wylie MBE also joined the day to speak to the young people about his own experiences and the lessons he has learned throughout his life. 

Jordan spoke openly about growing up in Blackpool and the poor choices he made as a teenager, including spending his 15th birthday in a police cell. He explained that those decisions had consequences that followed him into the years ahead. 

Reflecting on what he had learned, Jordan told the group: 

“Whatever you do today will impact your tomorrow.” 

After leaving school without GCSEs, Jordan joined the British Army, an opportunity that helped him change direction and eventually return to education. He later completed GCSEs, A-levels and university qualifications. 

He explained that while his circumstances did not change overnight, the choices he made did. 

“There’s always a way, always a different path or always a way to go in a different direction, but only you can make those decisions.” 

Grasping opportunities with both hands 

Jordan encouraged the young people to recognise the opportunities around them and not allow past mistakes or difficult circumstances to determine what they could achieve in the future. 

Drawing on his journey from a challenging start in life to a career in the Army, television and adventure, he reinforced one central message: 

“The choices that you make right now in your lives will have a direct impact and they will shape your tomorrow.” 

He also encouraged the group to think carefully about the people they surround themselves with, take accountability for their actions and have the confidence to try new things, even when there is a possibility of failure. 

Jordan added: 

“Apply yourself, take the opportunities. Opportunities are all around us… you have to grasp them with both hands and see where that journey takes you.” 

Inspiring young people to see what is possible 

The Surrey Police visit provided an opportunity for young people from the local community to experience a different environment, meet positive role models and discover some of the activities and opportunities available through the Army Cadets. 

Through practical challenges and Jordan’s personal story, the day demonstrated how new experiences can help young people build confidence, discover their potential and consider different paths for their future. 

For those taking part, the message was simple: opportunities are there, but the choices they make today can help shape where they go tomorrow.