I’ve been in the Army for almost 25 years and football, the beautiful game, has been a significant part of my military career, literally from the very first day as a fresh faced 19 year old Troop Commander, playing with my Squadron and then for the Regiment in my first week in the job. The opportunity for every background and ability level to come together, where your rank doesn’t matter on the pitch and the lifelong friendships it generates remain extremely special. Football has a rich history in the British Army but my focus is on my own capbadge, the Royal Corps of Signals and specifically the latest McBean Trophy Final.
It is an absolute privilege to continue to be part of this amazing sport in so many different ways. I didn’t make it to the highest levels as a player (due to a distinct lack of ability) but I’m lucky to play for the Army Masters, support the development of Army grass roots football as the Chairperson of Royal Signals Football and, as a Commanding Officer, support my own Unit, 30th Signal Regiment.
The key competition in the Royal Signals calendar is the McBean Trophy (previously known as the Signaller Cup). It is a simple knockout event featuring all units from across the Royal Signals and is played out over the course of the season. It sums up everything about Army sport; the ethos, the team spirit and ultimately the desire to win. It remains an important part of my life and is named after a Corps footballing legend, Major Tony McBean who sadly passed away some 6 years ago. Tony was a friend to all, a fierce competitor but always ensured he demonstrated the highest levels of sportsmanship both on and off the pitch. Renaming the competition in his honour was an easy decision to make and it is great to be able to welcome his wife Claire and daughters Jess and Becca back each year. To continue his legacy is essential, to be able to play for a Trophy in his name is special and to have the chance of winning it amazing.
Thankfully that is exactly what my Unit, 30th Signal Regiment, did on Thursday 1 June at Stafford Town FC. After the annual Royal Signals Veterans Vs First XI game, bringing together our retired footballing family, the main event – the McBean Trophy Final – was played in front of a crowd of 150+. The game featured 2nd Signal Regiment and 30th Signal Regiment, and after a tight 1-1 draw over 120 minutes penalties would decide the result. A missed 4th penalty and a saved 5th was the difference between the two sides and 30 Signal Regiment were crowned champions! As an ex goalkeeper, Tony would have been proud of the result and the ‘cat’ in the nets who received the Person of the Match award, making two vital saves during the game and saving the final spot kick. The Person of the Match is awarded a goalkeeper’s top, one of Tony’s from his playing days and each successful winner since his passing now has their name sewn into the shirt – a great legacy. The post-match celebrations were as enthusiastic as you’d expect and it remains clear that football is so much more than just a game!
By Lt Col Simon Smith, Commanding Officer, 30th Signal Regiment
