Sports

As an air cadet you could take part in many different sports and will be encouraged to try your hand at lots of different things you perhaps wouldn't be inclined to do at school. The Squadron will compete, as a whole, in many sports activities throughout the year, from an annual swimming gala to a cross country run and your participation will earn the unit points in the competition. Of course we always want to win! There is also the opportunity if you love a particular sport or do well in a competition, that you may be selected to represent the Wing (Warwickshire and Brimingham) at that sport. At 2286 Squadron we have had many of our cadets represent the wing and a few have gone even further than that to represent the Region (Central and East) and even the Air Training Corps itself!

Some of the sports offered are: Cross Country, Swimming, Athletics, Football, 5-A-Side, Hockey, Netball and Rugby Union. As a squadron we also hold regular sports nights where we play baseball or volleyball etc. Of course none of these activities are mandatory and you will only be expected to take part in what you are comfortable doing, we only ask that you have a go!

Target Shooting

Cadets at all levels of the Air Training Corps have the opportunity to participate in the sport of rifle shooting. This aspect of the training was introduced when the Corps was formed in order that those who were to join the Armed Forces had got some experience of firing a weapon. Shooting remains one of the most popular cadet activities and teaches discipline and steadfastness.

All cadet shooting takes place ona range which is a location designed so that people can take part in shooting under controlled conditions. Ranges come in many shapes and sizes; initially, shooting takes place with the target 25m from the firer, either at an indoor range or a barrack (outdoor) range. As the firer advances through the different weapons, they will start to shoot at ranges of 100m or more.

Safety is paramount with all ATC activities and shooting is certainly no exception. Training is an integral part of the system and each cadet is fully trained in whichever rifle they will be using. Supervising staff are similarly trained to deal with any eventualities and to ensure that the range is run safely and efficiently.