A Company from Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force (HSY ACF) hosted their annual Alpha Trophy weekend (25-26 November 2023) at Driffield Cadet Centre, an inter-detachment competition that puts the cadets’ military skills to the test. The event saw eight teams competing for various accolades, including the prestigious Overall Winners of Alpha Trophy, Runners-Up of Alpha Trophy, Best Drill Routine, and Individual Best Shot throughout the activity-packed weekend.
Top prize
Top prize for the prestigious Overall Winners of Alpha Trophy was clinched by Beverley detachment (pictured) while East Hull was a worthy Runner-Up and excelled in the Alpha Trophy Drill Competition. The Best Individual Shot award went to Staff Sergeant Sanders from Mona House Detachment, showcasing exceptional marksmanship skills.
Captain Hollie Troughton, training officer with HSY ACF said: “The competition was fierce, highlighting the dedication and training these young people undergo as part of their ACF experience”.
Two new awards
This year also marked the introduction of two new awards: The Cadet Endeavour Award and The Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) of the Year Award. Lance Corporal James Philpott from Mona House Detachment was awarded The Cadet Endeavour Award which recognises a cadet whom the instructors feel has stood out above the rest and someone who the younger cadets can look up to.
Second Lieutenant Sharon Barr of Mona House detachment was awarded the CFAV Award after receiving the highest number of votes from a pool of cadets who felt she had given the most in her service to cadets over the year. The award honours the late Tony Raynor, a local CFAV who passed away earlier in the year. Tony was injured whilst serving as a regular soldier in the British Army and despite his disabilities still gave countless hours and commitment to the army cadets throughout his ten years as a volunteer.
Sharon said: “I felt humbled that I was nominated for the award and it makes doing what we do worthwhile.
“If we can change one cadets life for the better then it is definitely worth the time and effort that we volunteers put in.”
Collective achievements
Major Richard Lenton, Officer Commanding of A Company, said: “It has been a fantastic weekend where we celebrated not just the winners of the various competitions, but the collective achievements of all cadets involved.
“The event served as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and community spirit that defines the ACF and its commitment to nurturing the potential of young people. I couldn’t be prouder of both the cadets and the adult volunteers who took part.”