News

Sea Cadets has unfortunately had to take the decision to postpone the Gibraltar Cup competition, which was due to take place 2-3 March.

Due to the weather – which prompted a number of warnings from the Met Office – it was decided this would be in the interest of safety for cadets and volunteers.

Gibraltar Cup is an annual event where the best six Royal Marines Cadets detachments in the country represent their areas in a competition that assesses them on various skills.

We are seeking to reschedule the event for a later date when hopefully the weather will be little more hospitable.

Congratulations to all this year's finalists at our National Five-a-side Football Championship.

There were some fantastic performances at the event, which took place on Saturday 24 February and Sunday 25 February at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre, Lincolnshire.

Southern Area won three of the four categories, while Eastern Area clinched the title in the Girls Junior competition.

The results are as follows:

Boys Junior

Gold: Southern Area

Silver: Northern Area

Bronze: London Area

Girls Junior

Gold: Eastern Area

Silver: North West Area

Bronze: South West Area

Boys Senior

Gold: Southern Area

Silver: Eastern Area

Bronze: North West Area

Girls Senior

Gold: Southern Area

Silver: Northern Ireland

Bronze: Eastern Area

Sea Cadets is calling for people to come on board this February as part of a national recruitment campaign, #NeverOrdinary, and see how being a cadet or volunteer can make a difference to their lives.

#NeverOrdinary runs throughout the month, and aims to show young people how Sea Cadets can help them become resilient, confident youngsters through 400 community units across the UK. At Sea Cadets, young people aged between 10 and 17 can enjoy land-based and water-based adventure such as sailing, rowing, kayaking, first-aid training, rock-climbing and drill, as well as earn nationally recognised qualifications, sail offshore, and travel abroad on an international exchange programme. 

Volunteers, meanwhile, can earn qualifications while helping young people to develop and flourish. There are lots of roles to match different professions, such as helping manage finances and budgets, fundraising for the unit, organising events and building corporate relationships with local businesses. Alternatively, you could show cadets how to sail, powerboat, kayak, windsurf, play football or learn first aid. All volunteers will receive an induction and will be given training and support.

It comes as Sea Cadets publishes the results of a survey, which shows:

- 94% of parents feel their child’s self-confidence, motivation and team-work had “greatly improved” at Sea Cadets.

- 53% of cadets feel being part of Sea Cadets will help with their long-term happiness and wellbeing.

- 67% of cadets said they cope better in new situations – such as going for a job interview – as a result of being in Sea Cadets.

- 48% of cadets believe the youth charity will help reduce risk or antisocial behaviour.

Captain Phil Russell RN, Captain Sea Cadets, said: “Life can be really challenging for young people today; the world moves so fast, and that can be really difficult. At Sea Cadets, everyone has a chance to take part; there are no financial barriers to getting involved to learn great new skills, and develop new ways of dealing with life’s challenges. With us, it’s easier to do better at school, stand out when it comes to getting on a course and finding a job. Join us, and Sea Cadets will help you to thrive.”

To join Sea Cadets today, visit: https://www.sea-cadets.org/units

A very big welcome to our new First Sea Lord cadets, who came together yesterday (Thursday) for their first official appointment.

The six teens, who represent each of Sea Cadets' geographical areas, met in Portsmouth in an event hosted by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC. They were awarded certificates and badges on board HMS Victory, the flag ship of the First Sea Lord, and later enjoyed a harbour tour of Portsmouth, seeing HMS Queen Elizabeth and other vessels.

First Sea Lord cadets play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Corps. It's a chance to have their voices heard, and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps. This year's ones are:

- Eastern Area: Cadet Sergeant Harry

- London Area: Cadet Sergeant Harry

- Northern Area: Corporal Jonny 

- North West Area: Leading Cadet Logan 

- Southern Area: Petty Officer Cadet Adam 

- South West Area: Leading Cadet Alexander