Sports
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 in this section, 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!
Squadron holds a regular Sports night. On this night, the cadets are able to take part in various sporting activities. As well as this regular sports night, cadets participate in sports at in inter-squadron events, Wing events, Region events and can even be selected to represent the Corps at inter Corps. events.
Some of the sports which you can participate in at these events are shown below:
Athletics
This is a Wing event and is normally held in Summer. All age groups can participate and can progress to Corps level. The age groups are normally:
· Under 15 Boys
· Under 17 Men
· Junior Men
· Under 15 Girls
· Junior Women
The Events participated in athletics are as follows:
· Track: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4x100m relay
· Field: High Jump, Long Jump, Javelin, Discus, Shot Putt
Swimming
This sport is normally played in the late autumn time of the year. Competitors can compete at all levels of this sport. The following events are participated in:-
· Freestyle
· Back Stroke
· Breast Stroke
· Butterfly
· Individual Medley
· Medley Relay
· Freestyle Relay
The sport is played with 4 age groups
· Junior Girls
· Senior Girls
· Junior Boys
· Senior Boys
Cross Country
Cross Country is normally the very last sport in the year for most Wings and is competed at by Junior and Senior Girls, and Junior, Youth and Senior Boys. The courses are normally in-between a mile and a half to three miles, the sport is competed at all levels, right up to Corps.
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. 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.
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.
Rugby
Rugby is only played by male cadets within the Air Cadets, it is played to Corps. at Seniors level and only to Wing at Junior level, although some Regions do arrange friendly games at Junior level. There is also an inter Region Junior Rugby tournament offering the chance for competition.
Games are normally played in late autumn to early winter, with the Corps games being in the early new year. All games are played under the rules of the Rugby Football Union.
Hockey
Hockey in the Air Cadets is played by female cadets, and can be competed at right up to Corps level. Most wings host Inter Squadron tournaments where the Cadets for the Wing, Region and Corps teams will be selected. The Hockey Tournaments are normally held late in the year and are governed by the rules of the Hockey Association.
Netball
Netball within the Air Cadets is played by female cadets, and is played in the early part of the year where players can progress all the way through to Corps level. The competition at Squadron level is normally open age group, but once at Wing level and beyond, it is split into Junior and Senior girls. The sport is played under the rules of the All England Netball Association.
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