This week, GL RFCA is celebrating thousands of young people and volunteers across the UK as we take part in the first-ever National Cadets Week from 5th to 11th October 2026, a national celebration of the Cadet Forces.
Greater London RFCA started this celebration a little early on Saturday, 3rd October, with the Elworthy Trophy Cadet Competition 2026 at St Dunstan’s College, London.
Twelve cadet teams from the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Combined Cadet Forces competed against each other for a chance to claim the Elworthy Sword as their trophy.
When the late Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Lord Elworthy KG GCB CBE DSO MVO DFC AFC retired in 1978 as Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London and President of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Greater London, he presented his own Battle of Britain Commemorative Sword as a trophy to be competed for annually by cadets of the three services within Greater London.
The competition is designed to test the skills which are included in the syllabus of each organisation, together with general physical and mental agility. The format of the competition has changed over the years and now consists of observation, teamwork, drill, first aid, on a rowing machine, archery, and command tasks.
His Majesty The King has praised members of the cadet forces and the adult volunteers who lead cadet groups across the country.
In a letter to the Cadet Forces, His Majesty The King said:
“For more than a century, the Cadet Forces have helped generations of young people discover their strengths, broaden their horizons and develop the confidence to face life’s challenges.
“In every part of our country, from our cities and towns to our rural and coastal communities, cadets come together to learn new skills, build lasting friendships and contribute positively to the communities in which they live.”
The Cadet Forces are one of the largest youth movements in the United Kingdom. Just over 137,000 young people take part in a fun, rewarding and life-changing cadet experiences, supported by around 28,000 adult volunteers, in more than 3,000 locations across all four nations.
National Cadets Week will celebrate opportunities for young people to enjoy a variety of incredible experiences, build relationships in their community and prepare themselves for future success.
How were the teams tested?
Teams had to score points at each of the 10 military skill stands designed to test the skills and apply their military knowledge.
- DeadWeight Pull
- First Aid Scenario
- Escape Room
- STEM
- Bouldering
- Patrol Lane
- Rowing
- Laser Shotgun – March & Shoot
- Archery
- Marksmanship – Air Rifle
First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps) were present on the day and provided operational support including scoring and first aid.
Who won and participated?
From the Sea Cadets:
• Rickmansworth & Watford Unit SCC
• Ruislip, Uxbridge & Pinner Detachment Royal Marines Cadets – Hillingdon
From the Army Cadet Force:
• Middlesex & North West Sector
• South West Sector
• City of London & North East Sector
• South East Sector
From the Air Training Corps:
• 173 Orpington Squadron
• 14F (Northolt) Squadron
• 219 Sutton & Cheam Squadron
• 344 Fulham Squadron
From the Combined Cadet Force:
• St Dunstan’s College
• Forest School
