With sport at the heart of her journey into the RAF, captain of the RAF Women’s Football team, Sergeant Cat Beaver, talks to us about her passion for sport, success as a football captain for both the RAF and UKAF teams, and how support from the RAF Central Fund has enabled her to train, compete, and grow, both as an athlete and a leader.
“Sport has always been a part of my life; I’ll have a go at anything! It was also one of the reasons why I joined the RAF, for the opportunity to play sport and travel within my career. I joined as a PTI in 2009, specialising in exercise rehabilitation, and have since been posted to a variety of locations, including Brize Norton, Halton, Cranwell, High Wycombe, and the Falklands.
Playing football in the RAF has increased my general wellbeing and fitness, allowed me to make friends for life, given me a winning mentality, and developed my leadership abilities – skills that I can bring back into my primary role whilst affording me the opportunity to travel the world!
I currently play for the Fulham Women’s team, but I also proudly captain the RAF Women’s team, who have won the Inter-Service title for the last six seasons, most recently at Lincoln City’s stadium, The LNER. Additionally, I captain the UK Armed Forces (UKAF) team and have played against high-level domestic teams such as the Chelsea and Everton Academies and alongside the Dutch and German force teams.
The RAF Central Fund has been of continual support during my journey with football in the RAF. The charity has provided financial assistance towards equipment such as boots, shinpads, and trainers so that I can optimally train and compete. They have also supported overseas training camps and tours, which increase performance through playing internationally in different environments.
None of this financial assistance would have been possible without the RAF Sports Lottery, and I’ve been fortunate enough to win the £10,000 top prize! Confirmation of the win came as a huge surprise, and I was able to put my winnings towards the deposit on my new home. You don’t need to be involved with RAF Sport to benefit from playing the lottery, although I strongly recommend it!
If others would like to get involved with RAF Women’s Football, whether playing or through team support staff, they should contact their Station OIC Football. Keep an eye on social media for opportunities to get involved, and contact the RAF Football Association for information on tournaments and more!”
Sgt Cat Beaver
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