Armed Forces Match Day to be bigger and better than ever
The matchball is delivered by helicopter to Greenhous Meadow to mark Armed Forces Day 2015.
Saturday 1 October will see the 3rd annual Armed Forces Match Day, which promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
The Match Day is a great opportunity for local people and fans of Shrewsbury Town to learn more about the Armed Forces in a fun environment, with a ‘Forces Fan Park’ providing activities for all ages outside the Greenhous Meadow stadium ahead of the game against Swindon Town.
The ‘Forces Fan Park’ opens at the Greenhous Meadow at 1pm ahead of a 3pm kick-off.
The key theme to this year’s Match Day is to highlight Armed Forces Veterans’ contribution to our country, as well as showcasing the commitment and skill of our current members of the Military.
Tim Barker, Shropshire Councillor responsible for the Armed Forces Covenant, said:
“The support past Armed Forces Match Days have received has been fantastic and this years’ promises to be bigger and better than ever.
“The day is a great way to enable civilians to develop a better understanding of the Armed Forces and the challenges they face in a fun environment and I’d encourage everyone to attend if they can.”
Activities such as a climbing wall, rifle shooting and static helicopter display are free, however a small donation to the Royal British Legion and SSAFA Military charities is welcomed.
Jamie Edwards, Shrewsbury Town in the Community Manager, said:
“Shrewsbury Town Football Club are once again proud to support the Armed Forces both in Shropshire and across the country. Through various links we now have active partnerships including the First Team taking part in team building exercises to Military families receiving holiday courses at RAF Shawbury.
“Hopefully the fan park will once again raise awareness of the fantastic service and commitment the Armed Forces provide.”
Group Captain Jason Appleton, Station Commander of RAF Shawbury, said:
“We are looking forward to the 3rd Armed Forces Match Day and Fan Park. It is always a fantastic day and an excellent opportunity for the Armed Forces of Shropshire to come together with Service charities as well as the local community. We are particularly grateful for the support of Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Football Club as well as local businesses who support the Armed Forces.”
As part of the event RAF Shawbury’s 60 Squadron will be delivering the match ball in to the stadium at 14:55 using one of their Griffin HT1 helicopters which are used for training for both pilots and aircrew.
All members of the community are welcome to attend the fan park, although only ticket holders can attend the football match which kick off at 3pm.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club are also giving away up to 500 free tickets to Forces personnel and their families as a thank you for their service.
The event aims to bring together military and civilian communities in Shropshire and improve civilian understanding of the roles of serving Personnel, Reservists and Forces families while enjoying the many activities on offer during the day.
Further information
For media enquiries please contact Adam Spreckley at Shropshire Council’s press office at communications@shropshire.gov.uk or call 01743 252826.
For general enquiries about the Armed Forces Covenant please contact the local co-ordinator, David Fairclough at SAFCC@shropshire.gov.uk.
