COVENANT
ARMED FORCES MATCH DAY Kicks Off With Huge Success
by Sqn Ldr Kim Leach
Shrewsbury Town Football Club was the venue for the 2nd Armed Forces Match Day and Fan Park on a Saturday in October at the Greenhous Meadow, Shrewsbury.
Giant trucks, a climbing wall, a firing range and a static Squirrel helicopter display provided the backdrop to the activities as footballers, members of the public and military personnel mingled before kick off. Many supporters turned up early to meet members of the Armed Forces and to see a little bit of what life in the forces is really like. Ahead of their League One clash with Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town officials, management and players were all involved in meeting military personnel as well as taking part in some of the many activities on offer.
The event was brainchild of Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Football Club to promote the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, which both Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Football Club have signed. The club had also offered free match tickets to serving military personnel and their families.
“An excellent
opportunity for the Armed Forces of Shropshire to come together with other members of the community” The match ball was dropped into
the Greenhous Meadow Football Stadium by a helicopter from the Defence Helicopter Flying School, RAF Shawbury just in time for the kick off.
David Fairclough, the Community Officer for Shropshire Council is delighted that the Armed Forces and the football club are continuing their long tradition of working together. He said: “We are delighted that Shrewsbury Town Football Club and the Armed Forces are continuing their excellent partnership. The Armed Forces Fan Park has grown since its inception last year and we
Shrewsbury Town personnel reach new heights!
are delighted that so many members of the public enjoyed meeting forces personnel and learning about their unique roles”.
Group Captain Jason Appleton, Station Commander of RAF Shawbury said: “This has been a fantastic day and a unique event which has been an excellent opportunity for the Armed Forces of Shropshire to come together with other members of the community. We would not be able to deliver the high level of flying training without the support of the Shropshire community, which was evident today.”
The day ended happily with a crucial 4-2 victory for Shrewsbury Town against their rivals Colchester United.
The Armed Forces Covenant To find out more, go to
gov.uk/government/ policies/armed-forces- covenant
A Squirrel helicopter from the Defence Helicopter Flying School, RAF Shawbury drops the match ball. 36 Envoy Winter 2015
Shrewsbury Town players are briefed on the Squirrel.
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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