Red Arrows News

Red Arrows team to play charity football match

RED Arrows personnel will swap precision formations in the air for tight formations on the pitch when they play a charity football match.

Members of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team will take on BHF FC in Lincoln next month.

The fixture will help raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

BHF FC was set up in 2018 in memory of Peter Burr, by his son Gary after his father died suddenly following a heart attack.

Gary, who is from Lincoln, said: “The aim of BHF FC is to raise awareness and fundraise for the British Heart Foundation and we try and stage at least one game every month.

Gary Burr, who set up BHF FC in memory of his father.
Gary Burr, who set up BHF FC in memory of his father.

“The team plays football matches across Lincolnshire but have started to play games further afield too.

“BHF FC is all about playing football, having fun and supporting a great cause in memory of a great person.

“The Red Arrows are part of the fabric of Lincolnshire and are renowned to have teamwork at the core of their mission.

“It’s a natural partnership for BHF FC to play its next match against the Red Arrows and I was thrilled when they agreed to play the game.”

The British Heart Foundation aims to fund research into all heart and circulatory diseases and what causes them.

The charity game between the Red Arrows and BHF FC will take place at Lincoln Moorlands Railway Sports & Social Club, Newark Road, Lincoln, on February 13, with kick-off at 2pm.

The game will be staged at Lincoln Moorlands Railway Sports & Social Club on February 13 at 2pm.
The game will be staged at Lincoln Moorlands Railway Sports & Social Club on February 13 at 2pm.

The charity game between the Red Arrows and BHF FC will take place at Lincoln Moorlands Railway Sports & Social Club, Newark Road, Lincoln, on February 13, with kick-off at 2pm.

Both sides are hoping for a good crowd turnout, with people able to attend and watch the game and support the fundraising.

Managing the Red Arrows XI is Sergeant David Marshall, who is one of the aerobatic team’s engineers.

He said: “There are several keen footballers working in roles across the Red Arrows team and this is a great opportunity for us to train together and support a fantastic cause.

“It’s been great to collaborate with Gary and BHF FC – they’re a very good side with a brilliant outlook and I know we’ll be in for a competitive match.

Manager of the Red Arrows XI, Sergeant David Marshall (left), with BHF FC's Gary Burr
Manager of the Red Arrows XI, Sergeant David Marshall (left), with BHF FC's Gary Burr.

“All of us playing are grateful for BHF FC and Moorlands for hosting the fixture and I’d urge people to come and show us support by attending the match.

“I know all of us will take great encouragement if there was a decent crowd on match day.”

The Red Arrows XI will comprise players drawn from across the RAF Scampton-based team – pilots, engineers and support staff.

Flying several sorties each day, the Red Arrows are busy training and developing a new aerobatic show that will be seen by millions of people during the display season, which is expected to get underway in late-May. 

Sergeant David Marshall, Wing Commander David Montenegro and Gary Burr at RAF Scampton.
Sergeant David Marshall, Wing Commander David Montenegro and Gary Burr at RAF Scampton.

Wing Commander David Montenegro, Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “Not only is the match in aid of a great cause but it’s also a brilliant way for us, as a team, to maintain fitness as we train and prepare for the 2022 display season.

“The game gives us an important date in the calendar to focus on during our winter training period and we hope the match will inspire people to support the fundraising and charity’s work.”

Gates for the February 13 game open at 1pm, with tickets – which are available to buy on-the-day – costing £5 for adults, while under-16s enter for free.

In addition to the match, there will be snack bar and raffle.

For more information about BHF FC visit https://fcbhf.co.uk and to support the fundraising, visit the team’s Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gary-burr4

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