Air Cadets from the ATC participate in sports at various levels, gaining recognition for themselves, their Squadron, Wing, Region and can even be selected to represent the Corps.
As well as the sports featured below, there are also a huge variety of other sports participated in at Squadron and Wing levels including 5-A-Side, Table Tennis, Volleyball and many more. These tend to be played more for local pride and fun rather than being truly competitive; it does not matter if your not designed to be the next Olympic star. The opportunities are there, enjoy yourself!
• Football
The Air Cadets run 11-A-Side football competitions at both Junior and Senior age groups with the Senior age group being able to play at Corps level. 5-a-side football is also played, though this is normally only to Region level.
All Wings within the ATC operate tournaments between their Squadrons, which allow the best players to be selected to represent the Wing. The same applies to the Region, with Wings competing against each other and the best players being able to make up the Regional team and so on up to Corps level, where Cadets can compete against other Cadet Services and other external teams - sometimes to International level.
11-A-Side football is only played by male cadets and is played under the official rules of the FA. The Inter Squadron football tournaments are mostly run around the autumn time of the year.
5-a-side football can be enjoyed by both male and female cadets (though participation by females is reliant on adequate changing facilities at venues). The male's competition is usually split into Juniors and Seniors. The 5-a-side tournaments are held at the beginning of the year and are usually well attended.
• Athletics
Athletics is by far the most popular sport that the ATC participates in.
This event is normally held in Summer and all age groups can progress to Corps level. The age groups for this sport is normally:
Under 15 Boys
Under 17 Men
Junior Men
Under 15 Girls
Junior Women
The Events participated in athletics are as follows:
Track Field
100m High Jump
200m Long Jump
400m Javelin
800m Discus
1500m Shot Putt
4x100m relay
All Events are governed by the rules of the UK Athletics Association.
