Page 32 - Cadet Review Summer 2023

CEY Wing ATC FOOTBALL DERBY
MATCH
By Cadet Warrant Officer Adam Lill
On Saturday the 25th of March, 2487 (Easingwold) Squadron and 2337 (Northallerton) Squadron were placed head-to-head in a Charity football match in aid of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF). The match was set up as part of my Junior Leaders course as, each year, Junior leaders tasks its students with raising as much money as possible for the JTYAF. John Thornton was a cadet and graduate of Junior Leaders, and was sadly killed on operations in Afghanistan in 2008. Since the charity’s formation in 2008, the JTYAF has made awards to over 2300 young people which total almost £1,000,000.
Setting up the match was a challenge in itself. Sourcing kit, funding, a pitch, time, in addition to organising the teams was extremely difficult. However, with thanks to the Wing Sports team, Easingwold Outwood Academy and the Captains of each team, this was all made possible. It was decided that I would be the match referee, because while 2487 is my Parent Squadron, I do aid 2337 Squadron weekly with NCO development, allowing me to have an unbiased view on the game.
The two Squadrons had never engaged together in an activity of this scale
until this football match. To see almost 40 cadets from both Squadrons enjoying themselves and playing a game they all enjoyed was brilliant to see from all perspectives. Both Squadrons had prepared incredibly well in the build up to the match, creating team sheets, tactics and formations. However, there could only
be one winner. While both teams battled for possession in the first 30 minutes, Northallerton broke free from Easingwold’s defence in the 33rd minute and scored their first goal. By the full-time whistle, Northallerton had made an incredible 11-0 advantage over the home team, taking home the trophy to be put in pride of place in their trophy cabinet. Collectively, the football match managed to raise a whopping £815 for the JTYAF.
After all awards had been given, the cadets from each Squadron were eager to meet again. Perhaps this could be a yearly battle for the trophy!
CWO Adam Lill presented the Winner’s trophy to the Captain of 2337 Squadron, Sgt Lewis Metcalfe, who was also voted as Man of the Match
Central & East Yorkshire Wing return to L81A2 action!
After an almost ten years hiatus the Wing’s cadets were invited to take part in training for the upcoming ISCRM event at Bisley.
The invitation came from Squadron Leader
Gary Butler, the North Region Shooting Officer,
and so the Wing Shooting Officer, Flt Lt Tom
Sugden assembled a Staff Team led by Fg Off Mike Donnelly of 2337(Northallerton) Squadron and including Fg Off Jay Smith and CI Mick Vann, both of 2527(Lawnswood) Squadron and Sgt Alfie Granville- Twig of 2337 Squadron.
The team selected 6 promising cadets and invited them to become part of the newly formed L81A2 Shooting Squad. The Squad consists of Cdt Sgt Kiran DeGregorio and Cdt Cpl Jack Roberts from 1224(Wharfedale) Squadron, Cdt Cpl Josh Proud and Cdt Colm Dougherty from 2337(Northaller- ton) Squadron and Cdt Sgt Frederick Elder and Cdt George Vann from 2527(Lawnswood) Squadron.
Their training and first shoots were held at
RAF Leeming, and the cadets adapted well to the challenge of firing the heavier and more powerful weapon. All six of them did so well that they have all achieved their Gold Marksmanship Badge and will now compete with each other for the chance to represent the Wing at the Inter Service Cadet Rifle Meeting (ISCRM) in July.
Back Row; CI Mick Vann, Flt Lt Tom Sugden, Fg Off Jay Smith, Sgt Frederick Elder, Cpl Josh Proud, Sgt Kiran DeGregorio, Fg Off Mike Donnelly and Sgt Alfie Granville-Twig Front Row; Cadets George Vann and Colm Dougherty with Cpl Jack Roberts.
32 CADET REVIEW SUMMER 2023