Sunday the 20th of November was a typical cold winter's day, however this did not dampen the spirits of 12 male cadets from 163 (Coventry Phoenix) squadron, donning their sports kit in order to compete in the 11 a side inter squadron football competition against 165 (Castle Bromwich) squadron. The

team was also joined by some of the squadron's female cadets who had given up their Sunday afternoon to offer their support from the sidelines.

Kick off was at 15:00 and despite a fantastic effort from the boys the first half ended after 30 minutes with the score at 3 – 1 to 165. Shortly after the restart they fell one further behind, taking the score to 4-1, and the outcome looked bleak. Not ones to give up easily, 163 fought back. With fantastic goals from Cdt Sam Ellis and Cdt Alex Shirley, and a penalty taken well by Cdt Takiar, 163 pulled level with their tough opponents, and took the match into extra time.

Five minutes each way were played, and 163 worked tirelessly to hold off 165's attack – which took the match to penalties as neither team managed to break through the defenses of the other.

With darkness descending and despite a ‘pitch invasion' from some local youths, spectators watched with baited breath as penalties commenced. Despite a fantastic effort from the 163 players, particularly the team's goalkeeper Cpl Shane Lammas, 165 just managed to clinch it which resulted in 165 squadron winning the match.

Although they just missed out on progressing to the next stage of the competition, every member of the 163 squadron 11 a side team played fantastically and are a credit to their squadron. The same is also true of the 4 female cadets who gave up their free time to stand in the cold and support their squadron; this was very much appreciated by the team.

163 Squadron would also like to congratulate the team from 165 (Castle Bromwich) on their sportsmanship and professionalism, and would like to wish them every success as they go on to the next round.