Cadets participate in sports at various levels, gaining recognition for themselves, their Squadron, Wing, Region and can even be selected to represent the Corps.

As well as the sports featured in this section, there are also a huge variety of other sports participated in at Squadron and Wing levels including 5-A-Side, Table Tennis, Volleyball and many more.

These tend to be played more for local pride and fun rather than being truly competitive; it does not matter if your not designed to be the next Olympic star. The opportunities are there, enjoy yourself!

Athletics

Athletics is by far the most popular sport that the ATC participates in. This event is normally held in Summer and all age groups can progress to Corps level.

The age groups for this sport is normally:

    Under 15 Boys

    Under 17 Men

    Junior Men

    Under 15 Girls

    Junior Women

Football

The Air Cadets run 11-A-Side football competitions at both Junior and Senior age groups with the Senior age group being able to play at Corps level.

5-a-side football is also played, though this is normally only to Region level.

All Wings within the ATC operate tournaments between their Squadrons, which allow the best players to be selected to represent the Wing.

The same applies to the Region, with Wings competing against each other and the best players being able to make up the Regional team and so on up to Corps level, where Cadets can compete against other Cadet Services and other external teams - sometimes to International level.

11-A-Side football is only played by male cadets and is played under the official rules of the FA. The Inter Squadron football tournaments are mostly run around the autumn time of the year.

5-a-side football can be enjoyed by both male and female cadets (though participation by females is reliant on adequate changing facilities at venues).

Rugby

Rugby is only played by male cadets within the Air Cadets, it is played to all levels (Seniors) and only to Wing at Junior level, although some Regions do arrange friendly games at Junior level.

There is also an inter Region Junior Rugby tournament offering the chance for competition.

Games are normally played in late autumn to early winter, with the Corps games being in the early new year.

Some Wings also play Rugby 7's. All games are played under the rules of the Rugby Football Union.

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