Diving into Opportunity: The Life-Changing Impact of Malta Splash 2025

In May, Staffordshire and West Midlands ACF took an extraordinary journey to Malta for the much-anticipated Exercise Malta Splash. Fourteen cadets and four adult volunteers immersed themselves in five days of adventurous training in the crystal-clear waters of St Paul’s Bay and beyond. Two adult volunteers took the opportunity to gain their PADI open-water qualifications using personal development bursaries from ACCT UK.

Thanks to an ACCT UK grant, personal contributions were made affordable for all participants, many of whom would not otherwise have had access to such a unique opportunity. The County Adventurous Training Officer noted:

Training was conducted at Dive Deep Blue Malta, a Centre of Excellence used for military expeditions. However, the experience began well before the flight to Malta, with swim tests and try-dives in UK pools. Once in Malta, participants tackled a progressive mix of confined and open-water dives. The initial days focused on equipment mastery and essential safety drills, with cadets practising under expert tuition. From shallow beginnings at Qawra Point, dives intensified, culminating in underwater explorations of historic wartime wrecks and the renowned Blue Grotto.

Through these high-adrenaline, skill-building experiences, cadets developed:

As Cadet Lance Corporal TW reflected:

“My skills as not only a diver but as a person developed far more than I had expected… I found a confidence that I didn’t have before.”

Cadet Corporal OG highlighted the additional social and cultural experiences:

“We all cooked together and looked after each other after we had finished our dives… I recommend to everyone to go on an amazing expedition like this one… push yourself and go for it!”

Exercise Malta Splash was about more than diving. Cadets explored Malta’s rich history at Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum. They worked together to prepare nightly meals, building independence and camaraderie. The expedition modelled leadership, mentorship, and practical life skills in every facet.

Company Sergeant Major DR summarised the intangible benefits:

“My time in Malta was unique by means of developing new skills, overcoming fears and improving confidence… Without the expertise of Deep Dive Blue and the donations made to the expedition, Expedition Malta Splash wouldn’t have been possible.”

This trip was a fresh beginning for many and a crucial lifeline for youth development. ACCT UK’s grant not only supported the learning of diving skills. It unlocked growth in confidence, cultural curiosity, and lifelong friendship. The joy expressed by participants, from exploring underwater marvels to cooking and celebrating achievements together, exemplifies the lasting legacy of targeted support.

While the program was transformative for cadets, it was equally significant for the adult volunteers who led by example. Two CFAVs were awarded personal development bursaries from ACCT UK, enabling them to earn PADI Open Water qualifications alongside the cadets.

Beckie Towns, brings her experience to her role as 2nd In Command of her detachment. Having herself benefited from the cadet experience as a teenager, she embraced the challenge both to support young people and advance her leadership skills.

Reflecting on the impact of the personal development bursary from ACCT UK, Beckie shared that the skills she gained from attending Ex Malta Splash are fully transferable in her day-to-day life.

She describes the highlight of achieving the internationally recognised qualification and the sense of accomplishment in overcoming the demanding open water environment:

“It was a real challenge to put the skills we had learnt in swimming pools into practice in open water. However, the views were outstanding and I will never forget the first time I reached the max of 18 metres.”

Beckie believes her expanded skill set and direct exposure to the learning curve of adventure training better equip her to mentor cadets:

“Gaining this experience will help me promote the aims of adventure training to cadets in my detachment and company. I have already started talking to cadets about the opportunities that are available to them as part of the wider cadet experience… I now feel better equipped to support them with things that life throws their way.”

Accessibility and support from ACCT UK were crucial. Beckie says:

“The bursary application process couldn’t have been easier. The initial form was easy to follow, and I was in continuous communication with the team via email while the application was being reviewed. I felt very supported from start to finish.”

She is deeply enthusiastic about recommending the scheme:

“I would definitely recommend the personal development bursary to other volunteers and I encourage CFAVs to not think about any stigmas around applying for it. Some unforeseen life events came up not long before we were due to go, and without the grant I wouldn’t have been able to have had the opportunity to go.”

Exercise Malta Splash shows what can happen when opportunity meets support. With support from ACCT UK, cadets and adult volunteers have broken barriers, gained new qualifications, and returned home empowered… ready to share their skills, confidence, and newfound passions with the wider Army Cadet Force community.

Any volunteer of the Army Cadet Force (ACF), irrespective of rank or uniform status, can apply for a personal development bursary if they require financial assistance to register for an adult qualification recognised by the Cadet Forces.

These qualifications can be academic qualifications, e.g. City and Guilds Level 7, or skilled training, e.g. Archery Instructor Award or PADI. Visit our Personal Development Bursary Fund Application page to submit your application.