Join us
You do not need to know anyone, own any kit, or want a career in the RAF. Turn up, try three nights, and see what you think.
Four steps from here to your first parade
Nobody signs anything on the first night. We would rather you came, looked around, and made your mind up afterwards.
Send us your details
Fill in the form below. A parent or guardian should complete it for anyone under 18. It takes about three minutes.
We invite you in
We will email you within a week with a date to come along on a Tuesday or Friday evening. Wear something comfortable — no uniform yet.
Try three nights
Come along as a visitor for three parade nights before you decide. There is nothing to pay and no obligation to stay.
Enrol and get kitted out
If it suits you, we enrol you formally, issue your uniform, and you start working through your first-class training.
The practical bits
- Age
- 12 years and 3 months to 20You can stay until your 20th birthday
- Where you live
- Barnsley and the surrounding areaYou do not need to attend a particular school
- Cost
- ~£15 a monthUniform is issued free; help is available if cost is a barrier
- Commitment
- One or both parade nights a weekWeekends and camps are optional extras
- Experience needed
- None at allMost cadets arrive knowing nobody
Apply to join
A parent or guardian should complete this for cadets under 18.
What to expect when you walk in
Someone meets you at the door
Arrive at 19:00. A member of staff will meet you and introduce you to a cadet of about your age.
The evening runs to 21:30
Usually a mix of classroom training, drill, sport and something practical.
Wear trainers and bring a drink
Comfortable clothes are fine. Everything else is provided.
Parents are welcome to stay
Stay for the first half hour and ask staff anything you want to know.