Sheffield United Academy has recently been working in partnership with The Yorkshire Regiment (4th Battalion), taking advantage of the newly launched ‘Look At Life’ team building programme.
Staff initially visited in early February, and were swiftly followed by Academy U16 and U17 players, who spent 48 hours at Queen Elizabeth II Barracks near York during the recent half term break.
The boys took part in a wide range of activities, including Dismounted Close Combat Training (DCCT), Army Assault Course, Physical Training Team Building, ‘Command’ Problem Solving Scenarios, along with a Midnight Patrol. In addition to this, workshops and seminars with weapons experts, communications experts, and The Yorkshire Regiment Commanding Officer were also part of the schedule.
Commenting on the visit, First Year Apprentice Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale stated:
“It was really hard work over the two days, but I think we all benefited from it as a team, especially because all of next years new first years came with us too.”
“We were definitely out of our comfort zone with some of the tasks like the ‘Midnight Mission’ but all of the Army staff kept a close eye on us, and we definitely picked up a lot from their collective experiences.”
Youth Team Manager Travis Binnion added:
“We wanted to use February half term to try and integrate our current U16 players with our first year Scholars, and when the opportunity to work with The Yorkshire Regiment presented itself, it was exactly what we were looking for.”
“The commitment and professionalism and of all their staff was second to none, and we are really hoping that some of this has rubbed off on our players as we begin to prepare for next season. I can’t recommend the ‘Look At Life’ programme highly enough.”
