07/03/2022 - Permalink

Armed Forces match day kicks off for football fans on Saturday 12 March

Related topics: Community / Leisure, culture and heritage / Partner organisations

Preparations are underway for the seventh annual Armed Forces Match Day at Shrewsbury Town FC this Saturday (12 March 2022) when the team plays Oxford United.

The annual event, hosted and organised by Shrewsbury Town in the Community and the Shropshire Armed Forces Covenant team, highlights Armed Forces veterans’ contribution to our country, as well as showcasing the commitment and skill of our current members of the military.

As well as enjoying the match, supporters can spend time in the Armed Forces fan park where they can learn more about the Armed Forces, charities, and enjoy exhibitions and competitions.

Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s Armed Forces Covenant champion, said:-

“The annual Armed Forces Match Day is always very well received.

“The vast majority of service personnel and veterans enjoy football, and this is an excellent opportunity for Shropshire’s services community to come together, share ideas and support Shrewsbury Town FC.”

Jamie Edwards, Shrewsbury Town in the Community chief executive officer, said:-

“Shrewsbury Town FC are once again proud to support the Armed Forces, both in Shropshire and across the country.

“Their Match Day is a great opportunity for local people and fans of the club to learn more about the Armed Forces in a fun environment.

“This year, in addition to the exhibition stands, we are running a walking football tournament and supporting the Royal British Legion’s penalties challenge against Poppy Man.”

Armed Forces helicopter landing

Armed Forces Covenant

As part of the event, a Juno helicopter from Number 1 Flying Training School at RAF Shawbury will be delivering the match ball to the stadium at 2.50pm.

The school uses a modern fleet of 29 Juno (Airbus H135) helicopters and 7 Jupiter (Airbus H145) helicopters to train military helicopter aircrew from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, as part of the UK Military Flying Training System.

Group Captain Phil Wadlow, the Station Commander and Commandant of Number 1 Flying Training School, said:-

“RAF Shawbury is proud to support this event once again, and I am delighted to see the Armed Forces community coming together following a break due to the pandemic. Along with the other Shropshire military units, veterans and organisations taking part, we are grateful for the support from Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town FC to the Armed Forces Covenant.”