Shrewsbury Town FC celebrate Armed Forces Day with successful event
News from our partners Shrewsbury Town FC
Shrewsbury Town FC held their second annual Armed Forces Day at the Greenhous Meadow on Saturday 10 October 2015 as part of their continued partnership with the military.
Ahead of their League One clash with Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town officials, management and players were all involved in meeting with military personnel as well as taking part in some of the many activities on offer.
From 1pm onwards, members of the public were given the opportunity to meet staff from the Army, Navy and the RAF reserves.
Brigadier Robin Anderton-Brown emphasised the importance of days like these.
He said:
“Today was a really important day for us because it’s an opportunity for us and the military, both regular and reserves to engage with the local community.
“Because of the support we get from the community, we want to give back to the local town here in Shrewsbury..
“It’s an opportunity for the community to understand what it is we do.
“The Brigade I command is based all over the country, but I am actually from Shrewsbury so it’s great to be here. The units we had here today are from the local area.”
Fans of both Shrewsbury Town and Colchester United could be seen enjoying the family atmosphere as they got the chance to sit in army trucks, fire rifles, climb walls and get the opportunity to see the role of a military person.
Shrewsbury Town manager Micky Mellon reversed his role on the other side of the interview table as he quizzed Rifleman Ben Taylor, who received the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.
The club also offered free match tickets to serving military personnel and their families.
At 2.54pm the match ball was delivered in more than spectacular style as a helicopter from RAF Shawbury flew into The Meadow before bowing to the crowd and returning back to base – leaving it to the footballers to take over the entertainment.
Richard Maybery, Deputy Commander for 11 Signals and West Midlands Brigade was delighted that the Armed Forces and Shrewsbury Town have continued their fruitful partnership.
“Today is about celebrating the Corporate Covenant that we have with Shrewsbury Town FC and it’s a great opportunity for the Army to come along and showcase itself and demonstrate to people that we are a part of the community
“We did this last year and we are really pleased with the way it went. The Army needs to engage with society and the local community.
“There are a number of stands here today. We’ve got representatives from the Royal Yeomanry, the Royal Logistic Core, 6 Rifles and a detachment from 202 Field Hospital and of course the helicopter here form RAF Shawbury. It’s a great representation from everyone..
“It’s really good to be involved with Shrewsbury Town FC. We had a few of the guys down at our Exercise Reserve Challenge at Nesscliffe Camp this week and I think all of the guys had a great time and acquitted themselves very well.”
As well as being entertained pre-match, fans inside The Meadow were entertained by the Royal Irish Military Band.
Jamie Edwards, Manager of Shrewsbury Town in the Community, was proud of everything achieved throughout the day, adding:
“We’re really pleased that the people of Shropshire have embraced today and come out in force to see what this is all about.”
“We’ve had people climbing walls, firing rifles and generally having a great time, as well as learning about the Armed Forces and the Army reserves; and being given the opportunity to appreciate what it is these brave men and women do on a regular basis.”
David Fairclough, Shropshire Council’s lead officer for the Armed Forces Community Covenant, said:-
“Shropshire Council was delighted to help facilitate this event through our work on the Armed Forces Covenant. Our role in enabling businesses to support the Armed Forces is important, and we’re delighted that such a strong partnership has been forged between Shrewsbury Town FC and our military.”
