The club also received a Bronze Defence Recognition Scheme award from the MOD, which encourages Organisations to support defence and inspires other organisations to do the same...

The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the armed forces covenant. 

Folkestone Rugby Club and other local clubs from Medway, Ashford, Aylesford, Sittingbourne and other parts of the county sent along coaches and players to run a taster session for the cadets. The aim of which was to encourage the Cadets to form a Rugby Sevens Team – with the cadets aiming to represent Kent at the National Army Cadet Force Competition!

Simon Himbury, Chair of Folkestone Rugby Club said:

“We believe that rugby and the Army Cadets are a good fit, we have the same goals of discipline, sportsmanship and teamwork – respect is also an important part of both hobbies. Physically it is important for both our players and the cadets to be fit.

As a charity we have been running for over 44 years and we aspire to encourage as many young people as possible, both men and women to play and enjoy the sport. Cadets are an ideal group for us to work with”.

Major Anthony Elderton, OC B Company, Kent Army Cadets agreed and said:

"It was a great privilege to be here today to cosign the Armed Forces Covenant; it's important that the Armed Forces and the local community are engaged on a wider scale and today marked that in style. 

I believe it’s very beneficial not just to cadets but also to the rugby clubs and the youth in the area to encourage fitness and also potentially represent the club in league games”.

The South East Regional Employer Engagement Director for the Ministry of Defence, Jonathan Darrington-Slegg, said: 

“Signing the Armed Forces Covenant has provided an opportunity to establish a solid relationship between Folkestone Rugby Club and the Armed Forces Community; we look forward to many years of continued support." 