The Council for Cadet Rifle Shooting (CCRS) organises the higher level of shooting for all five MoD sponsored Cadet Forces and assists other Youth Movement organisations as may be agreed.
Established in 1969 as an amalgamation of other organisations, its antecedents go back to the latter part of the 19th century. Historically associated with rifle shooting, including the delivery of three national teams annually, it now supports all shooting disciplines. The ‘Cadet Clay Championship’ was established in 2007, and for the first time this year CCRS was delighted to welcome an entry by two teams (one Royal Navy, one Royal Marines) from Telford Sea Cadet Corps (SCC).
Fallow years in 2020 and 2021 owing to the Covid pandemic have led to 2022 being very much a recovery year for Cadet shooting and with the last Championship being in 2019, CCRS was delighted to organise and deliver the 2022 Championships, hosted by Cambridge Gun Club over the weekend 17-19 June, with 18 teams and approximately 100 cadets and adult volunteers taking part. Although slightly down on numbers, the number of entries from across the country and from all Cadet Forces proved that cadets are keen to return to their sport and promises well for 2023 and beyond.
Mr John Offord, Head Talent Scout for British Shooting and Olympic Trap Coach for Team GB attended and assisted, and CCRS was also delighted to welcome the visit of Mr Richard Hefford-Hobbs of Gallyon Gun and Rifle Makers Ltd, also a member of The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers. Lieutenant Colonel Nick Simpson, Chairman of CCRS’s Clay Committee, considered that the weekend had been a resounding success, providing a wonderful opportunity for cadets to test their skills as well as meet cadets from other units around the country.
