ਚੈਂਪੀਅਨ ਕੈਡੇਟ 2025: ਇੱਕ ਜੇਤੂ ਦਾ ਦ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟੀਕੋਣ

The Champion Cadet Competition is a prestigious annual event that brings together outstanding Army Cadets from across the UK at the Cadet Training Centre (CTC) Frimley Park. In 2025, cadets from both the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਕੈਡੇਟ ਫੋਰਸ (CCF) will once again face a series of rigorous challenges—from obstacle courses and navigation exercises to leadership and teamwork tasks. Designed to test physical endurance, mental resilience, and strategic thinking, the competition not only crowns the top cadet from each force—awarding the Claire Shaw Trophy (ACF) and the Captain General’s Cup (CCF)—but also instils skills and values that prepare participants for future success in all areas of life. 

We caught up with Cadet SM Jonathan Opoku-Anokye from the Royal of Berkshire ACF, who won the Claire Shaw Trophy (ACF). This is what he had to say about his Champion Cadet experience.  

First of all, congratulations on winning! How does it feel to have won such a prestigious title? 

Thank you very much! It feels a bit surreal. When I found out I was in the top two, it was like a surreal moment. Then came the interview, and finally I was announced as the winner on parade—it was like, whoa. Just really surreal.

What was the most challenging part of the Champion Cadet competition this year? 

Definitely Navigation (Nav). Especially Day Nav and Night Nav. It was a big distance to cover, and not only were we being tested on navigation skills, but also endurance. Night Nav, in particular, was difficult—being in the dark without knowing exactly where you are is tough.

How did you prepare both physically and mentally for the competition? 

Physically, I’m quite an active person. I’d just come off a three-week UK International Exchange, where I stayed really active. The day before the competition, I even went on a bike ride to stay loose. Mentally, for me, it’s all about relaxation. If I go in thinking “I need to win,” I just get too stressed. Instead, I focus on staying calm and doing my best.

What skills do you feel you developed or improved during the competition? 

My shooting definitely improved, as well as my perseverance, communication, and teamwork. Even though it’s a solo competition, there were still aspects where teamwork came into play. I also gained a lot of confidence, especially from teaching a lesson in front of my peers, which is quite hard. But I went straight into it and handled it.

What do you think set you apart from the other cadets this year? 

I think it was my attitude. I had a really bouncy, positive energy throughout—whether I did well or not, especially in shooting, I just kept that upbeat mindset. I kept telling myself, “It is what it is. Keep going.”

What advice would you give to future cadets hoping to compete for the Champion Cadet title? 

Just take your time and relax. If you’ve made it that far, you already know what you’re doing. The key is to stay calm and focused. When you’re in the right headspace, you perform better.

What lessons will you carry forward from this experience into your future? 

The biggest one is that once you reach a certain level, it’s all about continuing to improve yourself. I plan to finish school, go to university, maybe commission as a barrister, then join the Army. It’s all about constant self-development, and this competition really reinforced that for me.