The Royal Navy and Army join forces to take on the RAF at Old Trafford

On Friday the 2nd of June, the Royal Navy Football Association and the Army FA were invited to combine to play a fixture against the Royal Air Force FA at the home of Manchester United, Old Trafford.

Eight Royal Navy, three Royal Marines and ten soldiers mustered the day before to train together to build understanding and cohesion ready for the match. 

Training went fantastically well with two teams being selected to play the following day. Each team consisted of five Royal Navy and five Army outfield players, all having the opportunity to play forty-five minutes. 

To further aid bonding between the forces, the RAF sponsors hosted a dinner and comedy night for players and staff from all three services. 

The match was a well-played contest that did not quite have the edge of an Inter-Services game but was still very competitive with all players hungry for the win.

The combined Royal Navy and Army XI led 2-0 at half time, with goals from AET Manny Roche and Mne Stan Lane. 

The second half saw twenty-two new players take to the field. The RAF had the bit between their teeth and managed to get a goal back to give them a little hope, but the combined team swiftly responded to re-establish their two-goal cushion. 

The game was keenly contested, finalising with a 4-2 victory for the Royal Navy/Army XI. 

Both combined team goals in the second half were scored by LACMN Quirke, rounding off a great day. 

Thanks must be extended to the Royal Air Force FA for the kind invite and for sharing this fantastic opportunity with their sister services. 

A fixture all three services will be keen to see a repeat of next year.