Salford Cadets Gibraltar Adventure
A group of Salford cadets have returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Gibraltar, made possible thanks to funding from Salford City Council.
The Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force (GMACF), the largest uniformed youth organisation in the North West, sent 30 cadets and nine adult volunteers on an overseas exchange with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Cadet Force this August. Among them were six cadets and three adult staff members from Salford, whose places were supported by a donation from the City Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett.
The trip was part of a formal alliance between the two cadet forces, designed to build friendships, share cultures, and give young people unforgettable experiences. During the week-long visit, cadets took part in military training, scuba diving, flight simulation, and even subterranean warfare exercises in Gibraltar’s historic WWII tunnels.
For many of the cadets, this was their first time abroad - and a chance to grow in confidence, learn new skills, and make lifelong friends.
Lance Corporal Hindle, one of the Salford cadets who took part, said: “Going to Gibraltar was a very memorable experience where I learnt a lot of new things like fieldcraft in a cave and flight simulation with the air cadets. My favourite part was the subterranean warfare training in the tunnels with the Gibraltar cadet instructors.
“The trip opened my eyes to different cultures and lifestyles away from home, and gave me a different perspective of how people live abroad. Being away from my usual routine at home helped me appreciate the discipline and teamwork. Being adopted, I’ve always known people live differently, and this trip showed me that family isn’t always about blood. On this trip I have made plenty of memories and friends that I will keep for life and that I will carry with me forever.”
The alliance between GMACF and the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Cadet Force was first signed in 2019, and sees cadets from each region visit one another every other year. Next year, the Gibraltar cadets will travel to Greater Manchester.
City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “I’m proud that Salford City Council could support this incredible opportunity for our young people. This trip gave them the chance to grow, learn, and see the world in a new way. It’s about investing in their future, and helping them realise just how much they’re capable of.”
The Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force continues to offer young people across the region a wide range of activities - from First Aid and Duke of Edinburgh awards to adventure training and community engagement. With support like this, they’re helping shape the next generation.
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