spoRt Focus oN RAF Mds/u23s sQuAd eNd oF seAsoN RepoRt

MDS/U23sFootball

The RAF MDS/U23s squad is formed each year with the best footballers of that age and selected from a trial of nominated players from Station managers.

Meeting at different stations located across the country to train and select a final squad ready for the 2022 inter-service competition in Feb. The squad met monthly at various Stations from RAF Northolt to RAF Wittering as well as a meet at RAF Brize Norton, along with support from RAF Halton and RAF Wyton. We would like to say a big thank you to all the Station commanders for the hospitality and use of the facilities that assisted the team in bonding and solidifying as a squad and has been huge part of developing as footballer and gaining valuable experience of leadership and Service life.

After a successful run of games this year including fixtures against QPR U19s & England Schools U18s, we took part in the 2022 inter-services competition in hopes to retain the title that was last won in 2020. The first game took place against the Royal Navy at H.M.S Temeraire on 16 Feb 22. After conceding two goals early in the second half, a spark of hope appeared as Matthew Hendry (RAF Digby) took advantage of a weak back pass and slotted in a calm finish to make the score 2-1 with 10 minutes remaining the team had at least 6 great chances. After a hard-fought battle the Royal Navy held on to the victory. The next fixture came a week later at Rayners Lane FC, where we hosted the British Army on 23 Feb 22. The game was off to a quick start as the Army placed a smart free kick into the bottom right corner within the first 10 minutes. However, after a neat turn and finish in the box by Logan Buick (RAF Lossiemouth) the game went into half time at 1-1 with the RAF on top for the majority. The second half began with the Army on the backfoot after a well worked RAF goal neatly finished by Henry Jordan (RAF Lossiemouth). The ball continued to be passed around with confidence with the style of play we have recognised throughout the season. Unfortunately, with 10 minutes to go the Army equalised with a great finish into the bottom corner resulting in a 2-2 draw for the final game of the campaign. This resulted in the Royal Navy U23s winning the U23s Inter Services.

Overall, this season has shown dedication and a desire to devlope as the team morale stayed high after some excellent performances. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the stations for hosting us and a massive well done to the players who gave 100% commitment and kept a high standard all year round. Team manager Sgt Danny Bartley and his backroom staff are always looking for new talent to showcase their skills in preparing the best year players ready for the Senior Rep team.

Trials for next season will happen in the summer 22 with details available from Station OICs or FS Paul Carter – MDS Gen Sec.

Cpl Connor Balment RAF HONINGTON SAC Logan Buick RAF LOSSIEMOUTH SAC Tom Burbeary RAF CONINGSBY (T) SAC Ben Cashmore RAF WADDINGTON Cpl Reece Coles RAF AKROTIRI SAC Reece Frost Thorley Island Barrack SAC Matthew Hendry RAF DIGBY SAC Henry Jordon RAF LOSSIEMOUTH SAC Kai Lord RAF MARHAM Cpl Liam Palmer RAF COSFORD SAC Luke Preen RAF BENSON SAC Armani Riley RAF ODIHAM SAC Liam Ritchie RAF LEEMING SAC Oliver Sinclair RAF BRIZE NORTON LAC Owain Thomas RAF BOULMER Sgt Kyle Turner RAF LOSSIEMOUTH SAC Harry Walker RAF MARHAM SAC Cameron Wheat RAF CONINGSBY LAC Owain Thomas RAF BOULMER Sgt Kyle Turner RAF LOSSIEMOUTH SAC Harry Walker RAF MARHAM SAC Cameron Wheat RAF CONINGSBY SAC Sean Wilson RAF MARHAM SAC Washington RAF (U) SWANWICK Kuzakwawo SAC Joshua Blake RAF (U) SWANWICK SAC Troy Taylor-Morgan RAF NORTHOLT

Inter Services Squad 2022

10 Aug 21 Southall Athletic 0 – 11 RAF MDS 07 Sep 21 QPR U19s 5 – 0 RAF MDS 06 Oct 21 RAF MDS 3 – 0 Brentford CST 10 Nov 21 Huntingdon Town 0 – 2 RAF MDS 29 Jan 22 RAF MDS 1 – 4 England Schools 01 Feb 22 Oxhey Jets 2 – 1 RAF MDS 16 Feb 22 Royal Navy 2 – 1 RAF MDS 23 Feb 22 RAF MDS 2 – 2 British Army U23s