Page 141 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

The RAPTC FC has continued from last season with the focus of establishing the clubs playing philosophy and the ongoing effort to improve team cohesion. Efforts to nurture and develop new talent remains a fundamental component for ensuring the clubs longevity prevails. At the start of the 2018/19 season, it was obvious amongst everyone associated with the club that this was the season to finally fulfil the aspiration of promotion to the Massey League One. A positive vibe has been created by the senior players of the club, which was emphasised by a greater understanding of the Team Manager’s philosophy and a group of extremely talented players (Army and Combined Services level) transferring into the Corps.
The season started with the biennial reunion weekend where thirty past and present RAPTC players competed in a friendly and at times feisty encounter. Following on from the reunion weekend the pre-season kicked off with a training camp to Gibraltar, and a few changes within the management committee. The manager WO1 (SMI) Kev Haley set the standard for the week, with in-depth and well-prepared training sessions that were carried into the first fixture of the Overseas Visit against FC Bruno’s Magpies. They are a second division professional outfit, with players from all over the world representing them. Unfortunately, the result ended in a 4-0 defeat however ‘Esprit de Corps’ was present throughout with both sets of players on their knees at the end of the fixture due to the high intensity of the game. The final fixture of the training camp was against the Royal Gibraltar Regiment which resulted in a 3-1 defeat. Although the results were slightly disappointing, the squad took a number of positives from the training camp and the experience of playing competitive European style of football.
The season hasn’t gone exactly according to plan, a large and unfortunate casualty list has limited the potential of the squad. However, the injury rate slowly declined towards the back end of the season which has led to an improvement in results and team performance. Subsequently the club is hopeful that with a fit squad, the form will continue into the 2019/20 season.
It is with great sadness and pride that the RAPTC FC bids farewell to a couple of personalities who have offered their services to the club throughout the years. After Serving almost 28 years in the RAPTC and much of that time devoted to the football club, Lt Col (MAA) Richard Gilbey RAPTC will be moving on to pastures new. On behalf of the RAPTC FC, we wish him all the best after an outstanding career, he will be sorely missed. WO1 (SMI) Kelvin Noteyoung also departed from his role as RAPTC FC Secretary due to his appointment as the SO3 J7 PD and OC JPDU in sunny Gibraltar. His service has been invaluable in recent years and we hope to welcome him back to the club soon.
Representation from RAPTCIs regardless of ability level has proven to be pivotal in the success of the club over the years. This inclusion has now extended to the Reserves with WO2 (QMSI) Paul Miles making a welcomed return, his experience and enjoyment of
RAPTC FC Secretary HOTO
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RAPTC FOOTBALL CLUB
SSgt (SSI) L Hathaway RAPTC
the game will no doubt continue to uphold the values throughout the club.
The management structure within the RAPTC FC remains in excellent shape which has led to the club achieving FA Charter Standard accreditation. Furthermore, the management has full confidence in the talented pool of players to deliver on the objectives set out at the beginning of the 19/20 season; most notably promotion to the top flight being the key outcome. The club can further look forward to an Overseas Visit to America in 2020 after what will hopefully (fingers crossed) be an extremely successful season.
RAPTC FC Awards
Busby Trophy – WO2 (QMSI) J Essam RAPTC
Most Improved Player of the Year – SSgt (SSI) M Culkin RAPTC Player of the Year – SSgt (SSI) R Chudley RAPTC
RAPTC Colours – WO2 (QMSI) R Guyton RAPTC
50 Caps – SSgt (SSI) C Charles RAPTC
50 Caps – SSgt (SSI) L Spires RAPTC
RAPTC FC Biennial weekend
RAPTC FC Sports Awards