Sport
Sport
The squadron organises and participates in a number of sporting events. We play against other squadrons, Bristol UOTC, Bristol URNU, University teams and anyone who wants to try their hand at us.
Notable is the Cranwell 7’s rugby tournament. This is an annual 7-a-side competition which all the UASs enter. Other competitions catered for are squash, basketball, marathons, triathlon, football, even stock car racing, sailing and rowing. As with many other aspects of squadron life, if you can think of a sport that we do not currently have the opportunity to compete in then you are encouraged to organise such a competition yourself. The sports facilities at Colerne include squash courts, gym, swimming pool, sports hall and playing fields. Every year we enter a team in challenges such as Nijmegen (a 100 mile commemorative march in Holland) and the 3 Peaks challenge (climbing the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales as quickly as possible).
A circuits session runs weekly before our training nights for those trying to work off their student lifestyle. For those sports we compete in as a squadron, regular practises are held both at Colerne and in Bristol and Bath.
Adventurous Training
While you are in the UAS and hence a member of the RAF (VR) you are entitled to take part in subsidised RAF organised adventurous training activities. These courses run for every kind of adventurous activity imaginable. Many of the courses offer the chance to gain qualifications which enable the holder to lead expeditions themselves. Several members of the squadron have become qualified instructors themselves in this way.
The squadron also organises its own adventurous activities. There is an annual skiing expedition which takes around 16 squadron members for a week of snow as well as running at least one major expedition a year and numerous smaller ones covering a variety of activities and destinations. All expeditions are organised by squadron members, drawing on the skills of our adventure training Sergeant and a wealth of instructors in the armed forces.