July 2024 Newsletter

TABLE TENNIS TRIUMPH FOR RAF NEWCOMER

His table tennis story may have started many years ago, having been a keen player from a young age and competing nationally throughout the UK, however, RAF newcomer Jonny Heslop recently took the RAF Table Tennis Championships by storm when he scooped an outstanding number of prizes at his first event with the association.

“I joined the RAF in 2023 as an Air & Space Operations Specialist and after many months of trade training, I was posted to RAF Odiham where I started to learn about how important sport is in the military. Coming into the RAF, I wasn’t sure if Table Tennis was classed as a sport, but luckily, I met the person in charge of Table Tennis at Odiham. He was able to answer all of the questions I had and, since I was keen to continue my sporting passion whilst in the RAF, gave me the perfect opportunity to get involved with a new community."

BUILDING FOR SUCCESS WITH MUSCLEFOOD

Through the ‘Build with MuscleFood’ programme, purchases made on MuscleFood’s various platforms will now see the RAF Central Fund receive a 10% contribution from online sales as a donation made to our charity to benefit sport in the RAF. At no extra cost to the customer, this programme offers the opportunity to contribute to a great cause while shopping!

Using our unique affiliate code, BUILD-RAFSPORT, you can shop from MuscleFood’s huge range of health-focussed products. From lean meat and protein snacks to pre-prepared meals and supplements, all designed to support various dietary goals such as muscle gain, weight loss, and overall wellness.

So why MuscleFood? The relationship was started by long-time Ice Hockey player, AS1 (T) Liam Archer, through his desire to provide an alternative to chicken and chips at the ice rinks used by his association during training and games.

Liam explains:

"As a former competitive powerlifter for the RAF, I understand the importance of nutrition and diet when it comes to performing at your highest capacity and I knew this would be a vital part of allowing our athletes to perform at their best and return to success."

As a merged Association, RAF Ice Hockey was able to bring this relationship to the Central Fund so that we can harness the opportunity for the wider RAF sporting community, in turn, generating more money for sport in the RAF.

RAFCF STATION AWARD NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!

Marking another packed season of sporting achievements, this year’s RAF Sport Awards is due to take place on 7 November 2024 at Halton House Officers’ Mess, RAF Halton.

Celebrating the whole sporting landscape, from thriving Sports Associations to individual achievements and successful station sports clubs and events; we are pleased to confirm that the RAF Central Fund will again be supporting an award to recognise the best Station (or Unit) initiative that encourages and enables serving personnel to get physically active.

Following the success of RAF Akrotiri’s parkrun in 2023, our station award is now in its third year and we've just opened nominations for key initiatives from the last 12 months that have inspired and driven serving personnel towards sport and physical activity.

Whether breaking down a barrier to boost engagement across the Station or finding new ways to promote and champion sporting activities on Unit; we are passionate about understanding what works, and empowering Stations to deliver innovative and impactful programmes to enhance wellbeing and resilience in our people.

If you know of an initiative deserving of the award this year, please complete the form below.

Nominate Project

LES MILLS +
ONLINE FITNESS CLASSES

Missing your favourite gym classes but would prefer to work out at home then why not take advantage of over 1,000 different workout classes available on Les Mills+ platform. Our offer provides a 30 day free trial for all first time users plus a discounted subscription of just £8.70 per month (RRP £12.99).

MOTIVATE WITH
THE MYZONE
SWITCH

Upgrade your workouts with our MZ-Switch offer, available at a special discounted rate of £61.63 (RRP £139.99) for serving RAF personnel.

The waterproof monitor is designed to be worn in multiple ways, with a flashing coloured light providing live heart rate zone feedback without having to be connected to the App.

ZOGGS
DISCOUNT FOR SWIM
AND TRIATHLON

Are you looking for new sports kit?

Zoggs are giving 10% off all items purchased through the link below using the code ‘SUPPORTRAF10’ at the checkout, please visit the online store below for your swimming and triathlon needs.