Corporal Sam Anderton’s story is one of true determination and versatility. Joining the RAF with a dream of becoming one of the RAF Falcons parachute jumping display team, Sam’s passion for sport has carved out paths across the land, sea and sky.
Whether he is in the ring, on a wakeboard, or parachuting through the clouds, Sam’s adaptability and sense of adventure has opened the door wide to new opportunities, thrilling experiences, and on one occasion, resulted in a surprise podium finish!
Sam shared how diversifying across multiple sporting disciplines has enriched his life, broadening his athletic skill set and supporting his career development within the RAF. He also spoke about the vital role that financial support from the RAF Central Fund has played in enabling him to continue pursuing his passion for boxing.
“I joined the RAF in March 2020 with the ambition of becoming part of the RAF Falcons display team. After graduating as a Physical Training Instructor and being posted to RAF Coningsby and RAF Cranwell as a Phase 1 Instructor, I specialised as a Parachute Jumping Instructor, graduating for a second time in May 2025.
My first foray into wakeboarding was at WakeFest 2022, and with coaching from both RAF personnel and the Box End Park team, I managed to take first place and a podium finish in the cable and boat competitions. It was at this point that I got the bug! If you are thinking about giving wakeboarding a go, WakeFest is definitely the best week to start. It’s a fantastic annual social event with camping, riding and music, and everyone is made to feel welcome.
My main sport is boxing, but when I first arrived at RAF Coningsby, there was no equipment or boxing gym. With a team led by Sgt Connor Nixon and Sqn Ldr David Redmond, we managed to gain an entire gym facility, including a full-size custom boxing ring, a dozen boxing bags, flooring and some additional fitness equipment, all funded by the Central Fund at a total of around £30,000. To top it off, HRH Prince William attended the gym for the grand opening!
Growing up in a house full of brothers, cousins, and stepbrothers meant my childhood was always competitive and active. Sport quickly became a central part of my life, giving me the chance to develop social skills and connect with people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. It also kept me physically fit, and by the time I arrived at RAF Cosford for my PTI vetting, I felt both confident and prepared. To me, sport is far more than just a hobby; it builds discipline, confidence, empathy, and resilience, which I feel has put me in good stead when settling into military life.
I have played the Sports Lottery since I joined the RAF, and although I have not won anything yet, I know many people that have. I still see it as a win though, as my tickets in the lottery enable me to receive the maximum amount of sports grant available each year, allowing me to enhance my sporting equipment whilst contributing to a charity that provides huge financial support to sport in the RAF.”
Cpl Sam Anderton
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