RAF Sport

Why Sport Matters in the RAF

Sport is a core part of life in the RAF, with participation supported at all levels, whether for fun or competition. At the RAF Central Fund we know that sport –

Promotes physical health: Keeping personnel fit, active, and healthy.
Teaches life lessons: Fostering teamwork, commitment, and discipline.
Builds mental strength: Encouraging resilience, determination, and courage.
Enhances operational effectiveness: Supporting the overall mission and effectiveness of the RAF.
Creates social value: £6.5 million generated annually by the RAF in social value through sport and physical activity.
Improves lived experience: Service life is enhanced.
Is great fun!: Providing enjoyment and camaraderie for all.

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Explore RAF Sport

RAF Sport comprises 56 Sports Associations, offering everything from archery to winter sports.

Each association provides opportunities for personnel to get involved in a wide range of sporting activities.

Discover more about the various sports and how they contribute to the RAF community.

RAF Sports Associations

Supporters of RAF Sport

Sport in the RAF is primarily funded through Public Funding and the RAF Central Fund. The RAF Central Fund plays a key role in supporting the health, fitness, and overall wellbeing of RAF personnel by offering grants for sports programmes.

We are proud to have the backing of key organisations, and we aim to grow our network of supporters who share our vision. By becoming a supporter, you’ll help RAF Sport continue to thrive and grow.

We are committed to understanding the objectives of our partners and delivering high-impact results. Our approach is to maximise value while minimising administrative effort for both our supporters and RAF Sports Associations. By understanding what success looks like for our Supporters we can tailor packages to deliver a meaningful return on investment for our partners.

Our partners objectives are wide ranging, including facilitating participation in sport of under-represented groups, delivering a measurable Social Impact, increasing their network with other companies who could be customers, rewarding staff and increasing the understanding of the RAF within their graduate population.

Menzies Aviation

“Our partnership with the RAF Central Fund continues to showcase the power of sport to build resilience, teamwork and wellbeing – qualities that sit at the heart of both the RAF and our organisation.

With thousands of veterans and reservists across our global workforce, we’re proud to support the armed force community and champion the opportunities that sport creates for personal growth, confidence and community. It’s a privilege to stand alongside the RAF we help service personnel thrive on the field, and in their careers beyond service.”

Juliet Thomson, Chief People Officer, Menzies Aviation

Royal British Legion

“We are dedicated to making the Royal British Legion relevant to the current serving community, ensuring they know they have our support from day one of their service, throughout their careers, and into life beyond the forces.

The Armed Forces Engagement team is a small group of ex-service personnel who are deeply passionate about advocating for the serving community.

We believe sport plays a vital role in promoting mental and physical wellbeing, fostering unity, and building camaraderie. By sponsoring military sport and supporting personnel to reach their full potential, we aim to help individuals truly thrive both in their careers and in their wider lives.”

Megan Woodhouse, Armed Forces Engagement Officer

What We Offer to Supporters

Content Collaboration: Stories and content aligned with your marketing strategies and values.
Tailored Programmes: Custom programmes focusing on key themes, such as increasing female participation.
Measurable Social Value ROI: Demonstrable returns on your investment.
Engagement with RAF personnel: Exclusive opportunities to interact with serving members.
Have-a-go Experiences: Unique sporting opportunities for your staff or customers.
Invitations to Events: Exclusive access to RAF and sports events.
Bespoke Experiences: “Money-can’t-buy” experiences tailored to your company’s interests.
Branding Opportunities: Branding on RAF Sports Associations’ kits and apparel.

Become a Supporter of RAF Sport

Your support will enable RAF Sport to:

Ensure inclusivity and diversity: Encouraging participation from all backgrounds.
Inspire audiences: Engaging and entertaining through sports events.
Promote grassroots participation: Offering opportunities for everyone to try out different sports.
Nurture elite athletes: Helping RAF personnel develop skills to represent the RAF and even their country.
Provide essential sports kit: Ensuring team spirit is reflected in top-quality equipment and apparel.

To become a supporter, contact Emma Harper via rafsport@rafcf.org.uk or 07425 810827.

We look forward to exploring how we can work together to support RAF Sport and its mission.