Aki 7s Cyprus: RAF tournament proves to be a big win for grassroots netball
A netball tournament at RAF Akrotiri has brought stations from across the UK and Cyprus together for coaching and competition.
It’s the Aki 7's second year, with eight women's and four men's teams taking part from RAF Coningsby, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Odiham and more.
A combined team from RAF Wyton, RAF Cosford, and Ayios Nikolaos from Cyprus claimed victory in the Women’s Cup, while RAF Boulmer clinched the Women's Plate.
Cup winner Air Specialist 1 Rebecca Freestone, based at RAF Whyton, said: "It was an intense game thinking we were the underdogs. To come out on top was an unreal experience."
RAF Akrotiri, Woodvale, and Waddington's team celebrated winning the men's trophy.
Sergeant Alex Riddell, Aki 7s organiser, said: "It's great to see so many stations here and they're all here for the same reason; to play netball."
Still in its infancy, organisers hope to build the tournament into a staple of the force's sport calendar.
"If people from Falklands could come, I'm sure they would try their best," she added.
More than 100 players travelled to Cyprus for the tournament, which is supported by the RAF Central Fund.
Some are brand-new to netball, while others are learning to lead the grassroots game.
Group Captain Dawn Murty, RAF Netball Association, said: "Aki 7s is about giving back to all those people who work so hard for the military."
While rewarding serving personnel, Aki 7s is an attempt to grow the lower levels of sport within the Armed Forces.
She added: "It's been inspirational to see so many grassroots players, umpires and coaches make the most of their time in Aki."
Alongside enjoying socials and skill sessions, organisers delivered coaching to children at Akrotiri Primary School as part of the programme.
Jack, aged 9, said: "Today was probably one of the best days I've had in school.
"We did so many good games and athletics. It was quite fun."
He added: "Netball is one of the greatest sports I've ever done."
James Bennington, assistant headteacher at Akrotiri Primary School, said: "We try as much as we can to provide children with the opportunity to play sport at as high a level as we can.
"When they go to their next posting and school, they can take all the skills with them."
RAF Akrotiri's leadership team is already looking ahead to the return of the tournament next year.
Wing Commander Ade Mellors, Acting Station Commander, said: "I'd like them to come back again and again.
"We hope this is an annual event for Akrotiri."
Join Our Newsletter
