Page 173 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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RAPTC FC management structure:
President – Maj (MAA) Davison RAPTC Chairman – Capt (MAA) Haley MBE RAPTC Manager – WO2 (QMSI) Baily RAPTC Secretary – WO2 (QMSI) Guyton RAPTC
As I write this, it’s incredible we’re only four games away from completing a full season after a shortened 20/21 campaign due to Covid regulations that limited us to only facing each Corps team once. The management team wasted no time in putting in place the greatest possible conditions for success, including bringing in new players and altering the management structure. SSgt (SSI) Leng designed, co-ordinated and executed a fantastic UK-based training camp in Portsmouth at the start of the season. This gave the new manager, WO2 (QMSI) Baily, an opportunity to communicate his vision for the team’s future whilst also giving new players a chance to shine. This season, the coaching staff and players have been incredibly dedicated; we now have a squad of over 40 coaches and players. This is the degree of commitment required for our team to be competitive.
FA CUP FINAL WRITE UP
Sgt (SI) Carlin RAPTC
It`s not every day you get the opportunity to represent the Army and the Royal Army Physical Training Corps on a global stage. But when I received a text message from WO2 Rob Guyton, I couldn’t respond quick enough! “Does anyone want to be a Flag Bearer at the FA Cup Final on Saturday”? My response was simple...... “Absolutely, I`m there”. As a lifelong Leicester City fan, to walk onto
that hallowed turf, alongside fellow RAPTC Instructors, SSgt Luke Spires, Sgt Ryan Lowe and Sgt Rikki Maling, was a dream come true.
In typical Military fashion, it was an early start followed by a long wait. 30 minutes before kickoff, we made our way through the Leicester City fans who were understandably in good spirits! We formed up in the concourse, nervously awaiting the call from the organisers to proceed pitch side; the call came, and we headed out to witness an amazing scene......football fans at a football match supporting their team, something that hadn’t happened for several months due to COVID-19. As we walked onto the pitch all I could think was, don`t slip and fall over; thankfully that didn`t happen and the whole process went smoothly.
As the Flag Bearer job was complete, we were lucky to receive tickets to watch the match. Still dressed in MTP, with my Leicester flag in hand we made our way to our seats to enjoy the match. The result, well I don’t think I need to write about it....what a game, what a day, what an experience!
As the season draws to a close, 24 members of the coaching staff and playing squad will finally embark on their Overseas Training Camp to Toronto, Canada in May 22. I’d like to thank WO2 (QMSI) Wood on behalf of the management committee for all his efforts putting this together.
A huge thank you to our sponsors L4Teamwear and ServiceSport, we genuinely appreciate all their support.
RAPTC FOOTBALL
WO2 (QMSI) R Guyton RAPTC & Sgt (SI) T Carlin RAPTC
ServiceSport Vs RAPTC FC