• 10.00am - 5.30pm
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London
National Army Museum
  • 10.00am - 5.30pm
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London

Sport

A soldier from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment fights a boxer from Oxford University, 2009

A soldier from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment fights a boxer from Oxford University, 2009
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Sport and preparing troops for war

The British Army has long believed that sport prepares men for combat by increasing fitness, channelling aggression, and focusing the mind. Sport serves to strengthen the ties between men, instilling discipline and readiness to serve a common cause.

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Cap badge, Army Physical Training Corps, 1940

Royal Army Physical Training Corps

Established in 1860, this unit is responsible for ensuring that British soldiers maintain the physical fitness levels necessary for engaging in military operations.

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Pole-vaulting at the 14th Punjab Regiment's Sports Day, 1937

Sport and morale in the British Army

Sport has always been important for morale. It reinforces group identity and makes soldiers ready to serve a shared cause even in the most difficult circumstances.

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Rugby match featuring members of the 3rd County of London Yeomanry, 1942

Sport and British Army recruitment

Although factors like patriotism, financial security and the chance to travel have persuaded men and women to enlist, sport has also played a major role in British Army recruitment.

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A soldier from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment fights a boxer from Oxford University, 2009

Sport and preparing troops for war

The British Army has long believed that sport prepares men and women for combat by increasing fitness, channelling aggression, and instilling discipline.

explore this story
Officers of 1st Battalion The Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire), representing the range of sports played, 1936

The Army’s impact on sport

The British Army has established many of the sports we know and love today and helped to spread them throughout the world.

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Major Bronco Lane, 1970s

Bronco Lane: Everest adventurer

Adventure training is an important part of life in the modern British Army. But Major Bronco Lane lost more than he expected on his expedition to Mount Everest in 1976.

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Explore Sport learning resources

Portrait of Walter Tull
Video

KS2-KS4 (Ages 7 to 16)

Walter Tull: A Soldier's Story

Explore the life and times of Walter Tull, one of Britain’s first black army officers, who served during the First World War.

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