Football

RAF Football's big shake-up: Three new managers, one mission

23rd October 2026 at 9:05am

Flight Sergeant Tom Richardson will look to mastermind a first Inter Services title since 2023 for the Royal Air Force men's senior team as he takes charge of the side.

Former player FS Richardson is promoted from his position of RAF under-23s head coach for the 2026/27 campaign.

He has has a wealth of knowledge as an ex-player, analyst and coach for the RAF FA. Last season, he saw the Airman's U23s side just miss out on silverware by goal difference.

No stranger to the senior team environment, FS Richardson played a key part in Andy Kuchta's coaching staff who lead the RAF senior team to back-to-back Inter Services titles in 2022 and 2023.

Speaking about his appointment, FS Richardson said: "I'm incredibly proud and privileged to have have been appointed manager of the RAF Senior Representative Football Team.

"It's a huge honour and a role I'm really looking forward to taking on."

A prolific padel player in his spare time, FS Richardson can't wait to lead to his Air Force aces to on-field glory saying: "The Royal Air Force has an abundance of talented footballers and I'm looking forward to working alongside the players and staff to get the very best out of the talent available to us".

A new face for the future

Meanwhile, the RAF FA managerial merry-go-round continues as Corporal Jack Housley-Stott steps into the role as head coach of the RAF U23s side.

Replacing FS Richardson, Cpl Housley-Stott brings with him extensive representative football experience. He takes on the role following two years as assistant manager of the RAF senior men's side and previously four seasons with the RAF women's senior side.

As an RAF PTI, Cpl Housely-Stott knows the demands on players and staff to deliver.

Following his appointment, he said: "Over the past six years I have had the privilege of working within representative football environments that have achieved success at the highest level.

"Those experiences have helped me develop valuable knowledge and understanding of what it takes for players and teams to excel in RAF Football.

"I look forward to working with everyone involved as we represent the Royal Air Force with pride."

The RAF U23s will get their Inter Services championship challenge underway in February when they travel to Aldershot to face the Army at the Military Stadium.

Continuing a dynasty

Perhaps facing the biggest shoes to fill falls to Corporal Andy Pringle. He replaces Karl Craven as the RAF Women's Senior Team manager.

Craven continued the work done before him as he led the RAF Women to their sixth consecutive Inter Services crown. Cpl Pringle will be hoping to make it a magnificent seven.

With testing fixtures against Stourbridge Women and the GB Fire Service Women's representative side on the near horizon, the new head coach will have an early opportunity to oversee his side and comes into the position familiar with the players and environment following a two-year spell as part of the coaching staff.

Commenting on his new role, he said: "Being named RAF Women's Manager is an honour and a massive privilege. It's a big responsibility, but I'm ready to work hard to give the group the best possible chance for continued success.

"We have an incredibly talented group and I'm looking forward to continuing the development of our existing players while also welcoming new faces into the squad."