Once in a Lifetime
Royal Air Force Lyneham
www.raf.mod.uk/raflyneham
25th May 2009
Twenty RAF and Army personnel from RAF Lyneham attended the Football League Championship Play-off Final at Wembley between Burnley and Sheffield United football clubs.  One hundred personnel from all 3 Services, including those currently recuperating at Headley Court, Surrey were invited to attend the Play-Off Final by the Chairman of the Football League, Lord Mawhinney as a gesture of good will and a public thank you for the endeavours of the Armed Forces and Service personnel. 

Attendees were treated to 100 of the best seats in the house and outstanding hospitality throughout the day.  They were hosted by Mr Mark Smith of the Football League and the Wembley Staff.

Flight Lieutenant Kev Farrell works as the Operations Officer on Number 1 Air Mobility Wing at RAF Lyneham and he was one of the lucky attendees.  He said: “The whole day was a truly memorable occasion for all the RAF Lyneham personnel involved, especially when given the opportunity to walk around the famous Wembley pitch prior to kick-off. 

Both sets of supporters, and even the players, gave an amazing reception to all the Service personnel during the entire walk-around.  It was awe-inspiring to see such a public display of support for the Armed Forces.” 

The personnel from RAF Lyneham led the military contingent and were therefore the first to accept the accolades of the 80,000 strong crowd.  Kev continued: 

“To receive the kind gestures from the extremely supportive crowd on behalf of the RAF was a great honour.  The huge crowd did not stop clapping the military personnel from the time the first serviceman entered the stadium, till the last man had left; a duration of almost 20 minutes.  There were several of us who had family and friends in the crowd and we were able to shake hands and share the moment with them; it was a humbling experience for all concerned.  One of the girls from Lyneham, Senior Aircraftwoman Diane Stenson, was able to meet up with her fiancée to watch the game which was great as they are both die-hard ‘Blades’ fans.” 

It was clear from the feedback from the RAF Lyneham based personnel that the whole day had been a fantastic experience and one that they would never forget. 

“Opportunities like this are one in a million and all we would like to thank the Football League and the Wembley staff for their outstanding efforts.  It truly was a once in a lifetime experience.”  

Burnley will be playing in the Premier League next season after Wade Elliott's first-half strike sealed a 1-0 Championship play-off final victory over Sheffield United at Wembley. The Clarets started as underdogs after ending the season fifth in the table compared to United's third-placed finish, but Owen Coyle's side produced an energetic and committed display to run out worthy winners of the game described as the richest in football. The result, which brings with it an estimated £40million windfall, also ended a 33-year absence from the top-flight for one of the most historic clubs in English football.