Royal Air Force News Friday, August 21, 2026 P26
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McCracken Hungary for National League
ICE HOCKEY
SUMMER EXPOSURE: Cpl Lewis McCracken at elite event in Budapest
BRAGGING RIGHTS: RAAF’s FS Shaun Ton stewarding at Lord’s for women’s T20 World Cup final between England and Australia
Ton up at Lord’s CRICKET WHEN IT comes to international cricket stewarding the RAF has been hitting sixes for 20 years and this summer saw an extra bit of Inter-Service rivalry. A team of 18 personnel – including FS Shaun Ton, an Airborne Electronics Analyst on exchange from the Royal Australian Air Force – helped steward the Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s last month between England and Australia; with bragging rights going to Ton as Australia lifted the trophy. FS Nathen Massingham, single Service lead for the Air Force (pictured inset above), said: “It added a bit of spice to a great day’s involvement and cricket. FS Ton was gracious in victory as well.” The stewarding scheme started at the Home of Cricket
20 years ago, with the RAF being front and centre since then, with similar schemes being held at Edgbaston and The Oval since. So far this year seven matches have been supported by the Air Force, with a further five fixtures proposed before the season ends in September. Massingham said: “I am responsible for recruiting, selecting and delivering military stewards on behalf of the RAF to the Tri-Service Coordinator at three major cricket venues. “Highlights so far this summer must be the women’s final, we have also supported England Test matches at Lord’s and The Oval against New Zealand, including the match at The Oval which was Ben Stokes’ last game. “In addition, military stewards supported the T20 Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston, and we are looking ahead to the
Ashes in 2027.” He added: “The scheme is a fantastic opportunity for military personnel to be part of one of the biggest sporting events in the UK, while continuing to represent the Armed Forces and engage with the public at some of the country’s most iconic cricket grounds. “Once selected, the stewards – who are all volunteers – conduct honorary stewarding duties. They greet spectators with a smile, assist them in finding their seats and help ensure that everyone has a fun and safe day at the cricket. “One of the key aspects of the role is engagement with the public. It is amazing how many civilian spectators are genuinely interested in Service personnel, their military roles and what they do both in their day-to-day careers and while supporting the cricket.” ● For more details on volunteering search FS Massingham on Modnet.
THE RISE of ice hockey official Cpl Lewis McCracken took another step up as the Ground Engineer was selected to attend the prestigious Summer Exposure event in Budapest. The event, supported by NHL, saw the aviator competing against 60 fellow officials from 20 different countries in preparation for the coming season as a semiprofessional ice hockey referee, starting later this month. McCracken who has officiated in NHL One for the last two seasons, is now on the cusp of moving into the elite level National league, with the Hungary week another feather in his ever-growing cap. He said: “It’s a huge step, any upwards direction is good, and what I am aiming for. “I was aware of it when a group of friends took part in it, so I pushed myself to get selected. On and off-ice activates fitted in with exactly what I want to do and I was fortunate enough to get there.” Before jetting off to the showcase event, McCracken attended the EIH Showcase (England Ice hockey) in May at Sheffield Ice. During the chaotically busy fourday event, the airman underwent coaching assessments and was told he is likely to make the step up to National level. He said: “Sheffield is a great set-up; the days
were long – 6am to 10pm – but they are a great experience and the perfect set-up for Hungary.” Having kitted up for the week in Budapest, McCracken found his military fitness and training stood him in good stead for the testing trials. He also found time to learn and geek out at the same time, with Q&A sessions with one of the game’s icons of officiating – Kelly Sutherland. He said: “We kitted, and warmup sessions tested our fitness – Hungary via Amsterdam, so long journey and tired legs. My military fitness put me in good standing. “My Service background is helping me immensely with my pursuit of excellence in the sport and my role – it helps with fitness, managing situations and prioritising things to maintain a steady flow and to keep the game going. My work at Brize as a Ground Engineer also involves that and to see it seamlessly translate to the ice is great.” He added: “To be able to sit in classroom sessions with Kelly Sutherland, who has been an NHL official longer than I have been alive, was amazing.” ● Follow RAF Ice Hockey on Instagram @ raficehockey
AMBITIOUS: Corporal is on the cusp of National League duties
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