Tim Peake flying in to celebrate 8th annual Armed Forces Match Day at Shrewsbury Town FC
Crowds at the 8th annual Armed Forces Match Day are in for a once in a lifetime experience when astronaut Colonel Tim Peake delivers the matchday ball.
As part of the event it is traditional for a Juno helicopter from No. 1 Flying Training School, RAF Shawbury to deliver the match ball just before kick-off.
MOD Crown Copyright 2023): Colonel Tim Peake, Honorary Colonel of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps, at RAF Shawbury.
This year, as “the Town” prepare to take on Morecambe FC on Saturday 11 March 2023, the helicopter will be flown by former Army Apache pilot and astronaut Colonel Tim Peake, who is also the Honorary Colonel of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps, which is part of No. 1 Flying Training School.
Hosted and organised by Shrewsbury Town in the Community and the Shropshire Armed Forces Covenant team, the annual Armed Forces Match Day highlights the contribution of Armed Forces veterans, as well as showcasing the commitment of our current members of the military.
As well as enjoying the match, supporters can spend time in the Forces Fan Park, where they can learn more about the Armed Forces, military charities and enjoy exhibitions and competitions.
Entry to the Fan Park is free and it will be open to welcome visitors and fans before kick-off, from 1pm to 2.45pm.
Councillor Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said:-
“Shrewsbury Town continues to show outstanding support to our Armed Forces personnel and veterans. Their annual Remembrance Match in November, the Tuesday afternoon veterans’ community sessions, and discounted (or free) match tickets for our Armed Forces and Veterans all demonstrate Town’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
“The 8th Annual Military Match Day is another example of the club’s amazing community support. This event also gives the Armed Forces the ability to display some of their skills and equipment to supporters before the match. On behalf of Shropshire Council and the Shropshire military community, I thank Shrewsbury Town FC for hosting the Military Match Day, and for all their support throughout the year.”
A spokesperson from Shrewsbury Town FC said:-
“We are proud to host the Armed Forces Match Day when the club and the community come together to recognise the important and valued contributions our local Armed Forces make.
“It will be an honour to welcome our Armed Forces community into the stadium to enjoy the game.”
The Armed Forces Match Day also gives fans the opportunity to have a look at a wide range of equipment on display and meet personnel from local Army, Navy and RAF units, cadets, and veterans.
Photograph (MOD Crown Copyright 2023): shy-20210506-peak-084-1 Colonel Tim Peake, Honorary Colonel of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps, at RAF Shawbury
