Page 128 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

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It is my second year in the seat as secretary/treasurer and plans from the previous year are starting to take shape.
There are a number of new players that have joined the squad, also WO2 (QMSI) Marc Murphy has joined the team as a quali ed coach and conducts the pre- game warm ups. This pool of talented new players and support staff is critical, and makes selection for the starting eleven very competitive.
On behalf of the club, it is a pleasure to welcome back Mr Lee Dyson, who was appointed to the position of Club Manager
RAPTC FOOTBALL CLUB
SSgt (SSI) K Noteyoung RAPTC
at the end of last season. As many of you will know he is no stranger to the game or the club and has kicked many a football on the pitch in his time. His passion for the game and the club is undisputable and we will no doubt bene t from his experience. On that note, he did ask me to remind everyone that he once played in the UEFA Cup against Celtic – albeit many moons ago!
I would also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you and farewell on behalf of the club to our current Chairman Capt (MAA) Andy Clark RAPTC, who
has been involved for 16 years as both a player and part of the management team. His commitment and contribution to the club has been invaluable. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
After a strong performance last season the club was promoted back to the Massey Div 1, where we rightfully belong. We took the decision to start with a pre- season tour to Gibraltar in Sep 15. This allowed us to prepare for what would prove to be a tough season, amongst the top Corps teams in the Army.
Day one and everyone arrived at the Aldershot Garrison Mess for our pre tour meeting and breakfast, prior to
catching a coach to Heathrow airport. There were the usual last minute search for passports; disappointingly going against true RAPTC FC tradition, nobody had forgotten to bring one.
Day 1: Upon arrival, a quick tour of the island to locate the important amenities took place as well as quick route recce from the main square to the accommodation, followed by some light socialising.
SSgt (SSI) Bishop RAPTC
Day 2: The rst session was an introduction to the coaching plan for the remainder of the tour and the season ahead. The boys were extremely thirsty, as Neil Craven (aka ‘kit man’) had failed to provide the boys with a cold beverage, water bottles Neil - one job! A fairly moderate second training session that day was then followed up with a drink, or two, in the local bars whilst watching the football and a quiet night catching up on some much needed rest.
Day 3: Was a light training session, concentrating on set up and set plays,
in preparation for the game against the Gibraltar Regiment that afternoon; this was the rst chance the manager had to see the new players in action. A good training session put the team in a positive frame of mind for the game and with a solid performance; the team won 2-1. Kev Haley and Jay Essam on the score sheet - I know what you are thinking, Jay Essam right...??
Day 4: Started with a quick re ection from the previous days game followed by
RAPTC Football Team
RAPTC FC Tour to Gibraltar 18-25 Sep 15