CST visit ahead of Armed Forces Fan Park
Shrewsbury Town visited RAF Shawbury on Thursday afternoon for a special training session and press conference at the base.The Club has established strong links with the base and manager Micky Mellon said he was pleased to take his players, goalkeepers Jayson Leutwiler and Callum Burton, there once again.
This training session involved the players being put through their paces in a Griffin helicopter training simulator by the helicopter instructors of 60 (R) Squadron of the Defence Helicopter Flying School.
Although the players kept their feet firmly on the ground, they enjoyed learning about crew co-operation and shared tips on team work and performance management – all essential skills whether on the field or flying above it.
The visit was in preparation for the Armed Forces Fan Park and Match Day which will take place at the Greenhous Meadow on Saturday 29 November - the Sky Bet League 2 fixture against Burton Albion.
The Match Day is a result of the combined efforts of Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town who have both signed the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant.
The public is encouraged to come along to the event at the Greenhous Meadow on November 29 to show their support for the Armed Forces and to participate in the activities in the Fan Park before the match.
Entry to the Fan Park will be free and the public will be able to participate in military activities, including a climbing wall and a laser shoot and meet service personnel from 12-2.30pm.
Cllr Tim Barker, from Shropshire Council, said: "The close working relationship between Shrewsbury Town Football Club and RAF Shawbury is really good to see.
"In many respects it mirrors the way in which Shropshire Council and the Armed Forces based here in Shropshire (including of course RAF Shawbury as well as Tern Hill Barracks and Copthorne are working together to pursue the aims of the Community Covenant in ensuring that Forces personnel, whether serving regulars or reserves or veterans, are not disadvantaged by reason of their service.”
Station Commander, Group Captain Alastair Smith said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Micky and his players to RAF Shawbury and to see the similarities that exist between the way that we train our future aircrew and the discipline, focus and application that the young players of Shrewsbury Town show.
"We are grateful for the continued support of Shrewsbury Town Football Club, Shropshire Council and the people of Shropshire.”