Welcome to Cardiff! And thanks to the audacious actions of a certain Wg Cdr, Icarus FC were given the warmest of welcomes to the awesome Cardiff City FC stadium.

Arnie Arnison decided a few months ago that Icarus FC deserved a spectacular end to our playing season and proactively wrote to Cardiff City FC requesting use of their stadium and facility. In exchange RAF Icarus would engage with the club’s academy and look to host leadership and mentoring activities to the club's younger players later in the year. Cardiff City FC responded and the net result was today, a truly memorable match on a Premier League standard pitch between the Masters and the First Team, followed by food and our AGM in the Directors Lounge. As days out go, this was a very good one!

Unsurprisingly, both squads raised more players than usual and approx. 20 players would represent their respective team in a match split across 3 x 30 min sessions. Based solely on the football being played, it would have been difficult to determine which team was the Masters and which were the First Team for the first hour. The standard from both teams was strong and an enjoyable (friendly) contest ensued. The notable difference between the teams though was the average age, the First Team probably averaging at least 10 years lower the Masters and by the end of the match this would be the telling factor. The First Team just started to get to the loose ball first, were on the front foot when the Masters weren’t and could capitalise on that wonderful gift that most Masters can only reminisce about… pace!

With pressure mounting after nearly an hour, the First Team capitalised on 2 individual slips and quickly went 2-0 ahead though Toby Andrews. Not deterred though, the Masters continued to play their style of passing football and a cheeky 30 yard attempt from Scott Cater could easily have embarrassed the First Team keeper, Broomer.

Into the final 30 minute stint and Icarus Masters average age rose again with the introduction of Icarus royalty. Rob Swinney taking to the pitch 15 months on from significant heart related health issues. Rob’s commitment to Icarus is faultless, his determination to get back onto the pitch is nothing short of inspirational. He is the example we should all follow.

As the game drew toward a close the First Team scrambled a 3rd goal (Jack Murray) and claimed victory, but it wasn’t about the result today. It was about the joy of being part of this great club, in this amazing stadium, with a fantastic group of friends to play the game we all love.