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Shooting practice for Argyle with the Royal Navy

Shooting practice for Argyle with the Royal Navy
17 November 2017
Players and staff from Plymouth Argyle have been given some shooting practice of a different kind with the Royal Navy at HMS Raleigh.

The squad spent an afternoon at the training base in Torpoint ahead of their 10th Armed Services Day match against Oxford City at the weekend.

They were shown how Service personnel are trained to use weapons by instructors at the Military Training Unit. The players were invited to try on the armour and other equipment military personnel wear in the field. 

They were also given the opportunity to test their own marksmanship skills in the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer; a computerised shooting range that allows instructors to assess and correct each student’s techniques before they move onto the live firing ranges.

We were delighted to welcome the players and staff to HMS Raleigh as a way of showing them the Royal Navy’s appreciation for their continuing support to the Armed Forces

Captain Ellie Ablett, Commanding Officer of HMS Raleigh

Argyle manager Derek Adams said, “We are grateful to the Royal Navy for inviting us to HMS Raleigh. It was very interesting to witness how others conduct their training, and to take part in drills that do not involve a ball. 

“We really enjoyed our visit and, when it came to the shooting practice, our players proved they have an eye for the target!”

The Armed Services Day match will see Argyle and the Royal Navy joining forces to celebrate and benefit military personnel and their families.  The event, sponsored by Babcock, will include extra attractions inside and outside the ground and before and during the match. 

Captain Ellie Ablett, the Commanding Officer of HMS Raleigh, said, “We were delighted to welcome the players and staff to HMS Raleigh as a way of showing them the Royal Navy’s appreciation for their continuing support to the Armed Forces.

“We wish them good luck for Saturday’s match. Thanks to the club’s generosity the Green Army will be supplemented by around 1,000 extra supporters this weekend to cheer them on.”

Royal Marines will deliver the match-day ball via zip wire and give a display of unarmed combat. 

Highlights also include a penalty shoot-out competition with the Argyle Youth Academy; the HMS Drake Volunteer Band; Military Kids Choir; veteran standard bearers; Royal Navy chaplain and the Plymouth Pipe Band.

With this year being the 100th anniversary of the formation of Women’s Royal Naval Service, a collection will be made on behalf of the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust.

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