The Army Cadet Force is a voluntary uniformed youth organisation, partly sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. It has been successfully helping young people in their development for nearly 150 years. There are at present some 50,000 boys and girls aged between 12 - 18 years in the Army Cadet Force in the UK and about 1000 members in Northern Ireland.

The aim of the Army Cadet Force, as described in our Charter:  is to inspire young people to achieve success in life with a spirit of service to their local community, and to develop in them the qualities of a good citizen.

We are one of the country's leading youth organisations. The ACF is run on military style guidelines, and a certain amount of discipline is to be expected. The ACF offers a full training syllabus designed to help young people to become good citizens and responsible members of the community. We offer various activities:- climbing, canoeing, first aid training, target shooting, sports, weekend camping, annual camps, courses (cooking, leadership, physical training, communications), musical skills, service to the community, overseas expeditions, participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and St John Ambulance, friendship, discipline, leadership, development - and lots of fun!

Qualifications are gained via the Army Cadet Force's progressive "Star" system, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, and St John Ambulance, all of which can be included in an individuals National Record of Achievement. We will also give them the tools through our BTEC Award to help them along with their school qualifications to become employable and full working members of our community. These are valuable qualifications that are recognised by most employers.