The Champion Cadet Competition is a prestigious annual event that brings together outstanding Army Cadets from across the UK at the Cadet Training Centre (CTC) Frimley Park. In 2025, cadets from both the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) will once again face a series of rigorous challenges—from obstacle courses and navigation exercises to leadership and teamwork tasks. Designed to test physical endurance, mental resilience, and strategic thinking, the competition not only crowns the top cadet from each force—awarding the Claire Shaw Trophy (ACF) and the Captain General’s Cup (CCF)—but also instils skills and values that prepare participants for future success in all areas of life.
We caught up with Cadet Under Officer Will Setchell from St John’s School CCF, who won the Captain General’s Cup. This is what he had to say about his Champion Cadet experience.
Congratulations on winning Champion Cadet 2025! How does it feel to have won such a prestigious title?
It’s very fulfilling. I came in on day one wanting to win, and it means a lot. It feels like a testament to my cadet journey, especially with me ageing out in August. So, yeah, it really means a lot.
What was the most challenging part of the competition this year?
This year, I found the shooting to be the most challenging. It involved running and then shooting from different positions. Because it was an individual competition, we weren’t really getting much help from our CFAVs, so that made it more difficult.
How did you prepare physically and mentally for the event?
Physically, I didn’t really change much from my usual routine. I go to the gym six times a week and run on Sundays, so I felt well prepared in that regard. Mentally, I prepared my lessons in advance because I knew one of the four lessons was going to come up. I also revised my orders process to get that edge over everyone else.
What skills do you feel you developed or improved the most during the event?
Aside from the competition itself, I think I improved my interpersonal skills the most—just making new friendships and learning to communicate better with others. I can be a shy person sometimes, but being around other cadets helped me come out of my shell.
What do you think set you apart from the other cadets this year?
I said it in the interview—I wanted to win. After a few events, I had my head down slightly, but I stayed focused. I knew some cadets around me were just having fun after making mistakes, but I was still fully in it. I really wanted to win.
Looking back, what advice would you give to future cadets hoping to compete for this title?
Go for it. Come with the right mindset and attitude, and you’ll do very well. Honestly, anyone can do it.
What lessons will you take from this experience into your future—whether in education, service, or life?
Remain disciplined. Keep doing what you’re doing, and always have a goal in mind. Know what you’re aiming for.
Now that you’ve reached the top of this competition, what’s next for you in the cadets or beyond?
I’m going to university in September, hopefully Nottingham. I’ve got an army scholarship, so I’ll be heading to Sandhurst after university. From there, I hope to join the infantry in the British Army.
Has this experience influenced your career goals or aspirations?
It’s confirmed them. I know now, more than ever, that I want to do it.
What would you say to cadets who doubt whether they’re capable of reaching this level?
Honestly, you can do it. When I was a Lance Corporal, I used to look up to the senior cadets and think, “I could never do that.” But trust me—you can. If you put in the time and effort, you can achieve pretty much anything in the cadets.
