March 2026 Newsletter

INTRODUCING OUR 2026 ATHLETE AMBASSADORS

The RAF Central Fund is proud to unveil its 2026 Athlete Ambassadors – a group of serving RAF personnel competing at elite levels of sport while continuing to deliver excellence in their professional duties.

This new cohort represents the very best of what sport and life in the RAF can achieve together. Over the next year, we will shine a spotlight on their journeys – exploring how they first became involved in their chosen disciplines, how they balance training and competition with operational roles, and how sport continues to shape their professional and personal development.

Throughout 2026, we will follow their sporting calendars as they compete at the highest levels of RAF, national and international competition. From championship fixtures and race weekends to selection camps and major events, we will share the highs, the challenges and the defining moments that make elite sport so compelling.
A COMPETITIVE EDGE
OVERSEAS WITH RAF TRIATHLON
As the RAF’s charity for sport, we aim to make sporting opportunities accessible to all, regardless of role, rank, or physical ability. Through annual funding to the RAF Sport Associations, we support overseas visits (OVs) that encourage personal and professional development.

These visits not only strengthen team cohesion and prepare athletes for the season ahead but also provide a unique chance to train and compete in different environments and against different cultures. Skills developed on these trips directly translate into success both in sport and in the day job, providing a competitive edge for serving personnel.

Across two training weeks this spring, 58 RAF triathletes are taking full advantage of Mallorca’s warm climate and varied terrain, training multiple times a day, combining open-water swims, long cycle routes, and structured running workouts.

For many, overseas visits are just as much about building team spirit as they are about fitness and technique. We caught up with three RAF Triathlon Association members to hear about how they got into the sport, the value of training camps and the role that the RAF Central Fund plays in making these opportunities possible.

TRAIN SMARTER, NOT JUST HARDER!

The RAF Athletics Association, in collaboration with the Royal British Legion and the RAF Central Fund, is back with the Health & Performance in Defence Symposium. Join elite athletes, expert coaches, and health professionals to explore performance, resilience, and wellbeing in sport and service life.

Expect expert talks, interactive sessions with RBL's Battle Back Centre team, and networking opportunities with RAF personnel who are passionate about health and high performance. Building on last year’s success, 2026 promises even more insight, inspiration, and practical advice.
The RAF Central Fund office will be closed on Good Friday 03 April and Easter Monday 06 April. 

The Sports Lottery draw on Friday will be run as usual by our charity lottery provider, Sterling Lotteries. Our lucky winners will be notified by email and results will be posted when we return on Tuesday following the bank holiday.

For any queries about your lottery account, or to update your contact details, please contact Sterling on 0370 050 5893 or rafsports@sterlinglotteries.co.uk.
RAF SPORTS LOTTERY

Congratulations to our recent Sports Lottery jackpot winners, each taking home a massive £10,000!  

THANK YOU to all of our players, your tickets help us to continue our charitable work to safeguard the health and wellbeing of serving personnel through access to sport and physical activities.


Have you changed rank or Station recently? If you need to update your account details or would like a reminder of your ticket numbers, please contact Sterling Lotteries on: 

0370 050 5893
rafsports@sterlinglotteries.co.uk
LATEST PROMOTIONS
SPORTS DIRECTORY
Sports Directory are the leading supplier of PE and sports equipment to schools and universities countrywide.

From tennis rackets to football boots, and tracksuits to volleyballs, they have a wide variety of kit and equipment to cover all your sporting needs.

RAF personnel can get 10% discount online - contact us today to get your exclusive code!
LES MILLS
Your online fitness solution for at-home workouts. Choose from over 2,000 science-backed, endorphin-inducing workouts with the easy-to-use LES MILLS+ app.

Enjoy a 30-day free trial for all first-time users, plus a discounted subscription of just £8.70 per month (RRP £12.99).

Further savings can be made on 3-monthly or annual plans!
RED DRAGON DARTS
From grassroots to greatness, Red Dragon is where passion meets precision. Their darts and equipment are crafted to the highest standards and used by legends.

Now, RAF players can play with the same elite gear as the pros, with exclusive savings designed to support and grow the game across the RAF community.

10% discount on full priced items via the Blue Light Card.

The Royal Air Force Central Fund is a company registered in England and Wales 8555984, Charity registered in England and Wales 1152560, Charity registered in Scotland SC044299.

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