ACCT UK શ્રેષ્ઠતા પુરસ્કારો
On Friday 13મી June 2025, એસીસીટી યુકે hosted their 10મી annual award ceremony, presented by none other than Dame Joanna Lumley. The event gave an opportunity to show testament to how dedicated, committed and inspiring our Cadets and CFAVs are, and the impact they have had on our communities throughout 2024.
શ્રેષ્ઠતાનું સન્માન
The ACCT UK Excellence Awards honour the inspiring non-military programmes of the Army Cadet Force (ACF) which are heavily supported by ACCT UK— initiatives that go beyond traditional training to empower young people.
Alongside core activities like fieldcraft and shooting, these programmes develop life skills and offer nationally recognised qualifications, enriching the cadet experience.
ACCT UK supports this vital work by funding permanent staff and awarding charitable grants, helping ensure these opportunities stay at the heart of cadet life.
The Excellence Awards are more than just accolades — they’re a celebration of ambition, achievement, and the incredible impact of non-military training across the Army Cadets.
Award Categories and Notable Winners
The awards span various categories, each recognising exceptional efforts and accomplishments in different areas of the Army Cadet’s non-military programmes. For each of these areas an outstanding cadet and adult volunteer is chosen though the nominations submitted throughout the year.
ડ્યુક ઓફ એડિનબર્ગનો એવોર્ડ
Cadet Staff Sergeant Jessica Anstey – Bristol & The Channel Islands ACF
Jessica was instrumental in enrolling 31 of 46 cadets into the Bristol and Channel Island ACF’s DofE Award in 2024. She actively promoted the program by sharing her knowledge and experiences, supported two of the County’s three DofE expedition weekends, and earned the role of the County’s first-ever DofE Young Leader and is currently working toward her Gold DofE.
Second Lieutenant Ros Whyall – કેમ્બ્રિજશાયર એસીએફ
Ros has worked tremendously to develop the Cambridgeshire ACF and East Anglia region into a top provider of DofE in the UK. Ros has seen almost 300 awards be achieved in her tenure, of which 20 have been Gold, showing her dedication and commitment to the role.
પ્રાથમિક સારવાર
Cadet Sergeant Major Amelie Poulton – Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland ACF
Amelie Poulton, captain of her squadron’s first aid team, has greatly promoted First Aid training in her County. She notably assisted a cyclist with a major head injury for two hours, despite missing A-level lectures, earning praise from the casualty’s wife as ‘a real star.’
Major Neil Edmunds – ગ્વેન્ટ અને પોવીસ એસીએફ
Neil has frequently volunteered his time and skills to offer first aid training support and has been his County’s First Aid Training Officer for over 10 years. He has also been key in Gwent and Powys ACF winning National Cadet First Aid competitions.
Bands & Corps of Drums
Cadet Band Sergeant Major Katie Howat – ડર્બીશાયર એસીએફ
Katie led the National Massed Bands at the prestigious Military Music Spectacular on Horse Guards Parade, performing under intense pressure and live TV coverage. She later conducted at Chatsworth House for the Army Benevolent Fund. A dedicated mentor, she inspires cadets through music and service. Beyond music, she’s a skilled marksman, winning Cadet Interservice shooting competitions in 2022 and 2023.
Staff Sergeant Instructor Adelaide Bird – ક્લિવલેન્ડ ACF
Adelaide’s transformational leadership revived Cleveland ACF’s Corps of Drums during challenging times, restoring excellence and passion. Her mentorship inspired cadets to thrive, leading to national parade participation and the appointment of a National Cadet Drum Major. Even after relocating, she continues to lead with dedication and heart.
Pipes and Drums
Cadet Corporal Lucy Kettyles – Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Battalion ACF
Lucy’s unstoppable drive saw her win all 2023 tenor drumming competitions and self-fund advanced qualifications, including Level 5 at the Army School of Piping and Drumming. She excelled in the Cadet Drum Major course and now inspires others by teaching and leading, while also contributing to military skills and community events.
Sergeant Major Instructor Cameron Goodsir-Maguire – બ્લેક વોચ બટાલિયન એસીએફ
Cameron has put in a significant amount of time to support Army Cadet Piping & Drumming, giving up many evenings and weekends. At national training events, he has been teaching the tenor drum Corps by himself, also helping the national team to organise events and conducting assessments for the national competitions. Since COVID, he has spent much time building back up the Black Watch Battalion’s Pipes & Drums. This involved parading two nights a week, supporting local events and helping neighbouring ACF battalions. Through his commitment and dedication, Black Watch Battalion cadets have performed publicly in several prestigious events.
રમત
Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Eilidh Howard – Lothian & Borders Battalion ACF
Eilidh is a dedicated all-round athlete and coach, representing Scotland in multiple sports and breaking barriers as a female referee. She inspires young people locally and abroad, helping set up a football academy in Kenya. A true leader, she also earned Master Cadet status and serves as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet.
Staff Sergeant Instructor Fiona Nicholson – Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Battalion
Fiona’s unwavering dedication has transformed her cadets, inspiring them to excel in multiple sports and fostering teamwork and discipline. From a Non-Uniform Volunteer to Detachment Commander, she leads a thriving unit, motivating cadets to compete at regional and national levels through her tireless commitment.
Community Service
Cadet Sergeant Kayleigh Bell – ક્લિવલેન્ડ ACF
Kayleigh led a community garden project to grow fresh vegetables for local foodbanks, securing funds and guiding younger cadets in building and planting. Her ongoing dedication makes a real difference, inspiring others through her selfless leadership and vision to help more people.
Lieutenant Louise Gillott – Humberside & South Yorkshire ACF
Louise transformed a deprived community detachment into a thriving unit of 70+ cadets, strengthening local ties through impactful events and charity work. She successfully launched a new detachment, inspiring volunteers and cadets alike, while promoting teamwork, aspiration, and community spirit.
Cadet Challenge Cadet Fundraising Award
Cadet Jensen Hayes – વિલ્ટશાયર એસીએફ
Since joining in 2023, Jensen has amazed everyone with his fundraising for ACCT UK—raising over £850 by swapping birthday gifts for donations and bravely shaving his head (with his mum joining in!). His selfless efforts inspire and support countless cadets nationwide.
Major Joe Martin – ડેવોન એસીએફ
Joe secured a London Marathon place with no running experience and completed it in 2024, raising over £3,000 for ACCT UK. His determination and dedication are opening new opportunities for Army Cadets everywhere.
Lincolnshire ACF has led fundraising for ACCT UK with energy and teamwork. From community clean-ups to unique challenges like a 15km pump carriage ride, their efforts raised over £12,600—setting a powerful example and benefiting cadets nationwide.
The ACCT UK Excellence Awards recognised the outstanding efforts of cadets and CFAVs, showcasing the significant influence the Army Cadets have on young individuals and their communities. The successes honoured during this event serve as motivation for future goals and highlight the importance of commitment, leadership, and community involvement.
Nominations for the 2025 Awards, taking place in 2026, are now open. Entries should be submitted via the county commandant to ACCT UK for review or can be completed online.
Know someone who you think has gone above and beyond? Be sure to nominate them for next year’s Excellence Awards, you never know who might win!