Northumbria ACF: Cyprus 2025 – A Life-Changing Adventure
26 June 2025
26 June 2025
For many young people in Northumbria ACF, the idea of travelling abroad for training seemed out of reach. But with a generous grant from ACCT UK, Ex Ares Challenge Cyprus 2025 became a reality for everyone… Not just for those who could afford it. This support meant that cadets had the chance to take part in an adventure that would shape their confidence, skills, and outlook on life.
The trip to Cyprus was packed with activities that most young people had never experienced before. Thanks to the funding, cadets and adult volunteers could get involved in exercises like Fighting in Built Up Areas (FIBUA). This challenged them to think and act quickly in realistic scenarios. They also got to visit a range of military units based on the island, from working with military dogs to seeing maritime and fire service teams in action. Every visit offered a fresh perspective and new insights.
One of the best parts of the expedition was the chance to fly in a Chinook helicopter… A rare and thrilling experience. As one cadet put it… “My highlight of the trip would definitely be the Chinook flight, as that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which I never believed I would get to experience.”
The fieldcraft and shooting exercises were also a big hit, especially the FIBUA training. For many, it was their first time tackling these kinds of challenges, and they relished every moment. The trip wasn’t easy. Coping with the heat and the demands of the exercises tested everyone. But it was these very challenges that made the experience so rewarding.
As is so often the case, the impact of the trip went far beyond the activities themselves. Cadets returned home with new skills, greater confidence, and memories they’ll never forget. The grant from ACCT UK made sure that no one was excluded due to cost. This gave every cadet the chance to take part and grow.
One cadet summed up the experience perfectly: “Cyprus was such an incredible opportunity and any other cadet would absolutely love the chance to be apart of such a special trip, it was an absolutely incredible opportunity for me to be able to expand my skills in and outside cadets… I also favoured the field exercises and being able to complete some FIBUA exercise as it was a new experience for me as a cadet, which I wish I could complete more of. Overall, the exercise was an incredible opportunity which I wish I could redo all over again. Although some aspects were challenging, especially in the heat of the country, it was all round one of my most memorable moments of my cadet career.”
Thanks to ACCT UK’s grant and the incredible adult volunteers who make these trips possible, Ex Ares Challenge Cyprus 2025 was more than training. It was a life-changing experience. By making it possible for every cadet to take part, these young people created memories, friendships, and skills that will last a lifetime. The difference this support has made will be felt for years to come in the lives of the young people who were fortunate enough to go.