The department of Uniformed Protective Services (UPS) at Itchen College is proudly making a triumphant return to one of their most cherished traditions, the annual Junior Leaders Field Gun competition at HMS Collingwood. This event, home to the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), marks a significant milestone for the department, which has not participated since before the Covid pandemic.
The 2024 Itchen Field Gun Crew, a dedicated team of 2
4 male and female students across the Level 2 and 3 Uniformed Protective Services courses, will be at HMS Collingwood from Monday 8th July to Friday 12th July. Under the guidance of their committed No.1 Trainer, PO Craig Rowan, these students will undergo an intensive, physically demanding week to master the skills necessary for success in this competition.
The competition features six timed heats across Thursday and Friday, culminating in the Final and Trophy presentation on Friday. Friends and family have been invited to cheer on the Itchen Crew during their Friday runs, adding to the excitement and support for the students. The crew will also participate in a traditional ‘March Past’ ceremony, showcasing their discipline and honour in front of very senior officers and VIPs. Clad in their iconic red and black Itchen Crew Running Tops, they will embody the spirit and traditions of the event.
Field Gun is a cornerstone of the UPS department at Itchen College. Each year, this transformative experience fosters growth in our students academically, physically, and in character, preparing them for successful careers in uniformed services.
To prepare for this year’s competition, students have undergone an intense training progra 
mme led by UPS staff Adam Woodford and Amanda Knight. This comprehensive regimen includes weekly outdoor speed, strength, and power training despite the challenging British weather, various strength gym sessions, fitness testing, parade drills, and tracking individual fitness outside of college. Their attitude, discipline, resilience, and support for each other exemplify the professionalism of field gun.
This year, Itchen College is one of only three colleges nationally competing in this prestigious event, alongside serving members of the British Army, Royal Navy/Marines, and Royal Air Force. The competition requires intense strength, stamina, and teamwork, with all fitness levels encouraged to join and receive weekly training from our UPS Physical Training Instructors to meet the required standards.
Looking ahead, the Uniformed Protective Services department is excited to announce that starting from the 2024-25 academic year, Field Gun will become a year-round weekly opportunity for all Itchen College students. This initiative aims to cultivate the future Itchen Field Gun Crew of 2025 and beyond.
On behalf of the Uniformed Protective Services department, Itchen College, and the crew’s friends and family, we wish the Itchen Field Gun Crew the best of luck. Their passion, dedication, and hard work are an inspiration, and we are proud to support them in this honourable endeavour.
To be updated daily on the crews progress, search ‘Itchen.uniformed.services’ on Instagram. Or click the direct link below to view the UPS Department Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/itchen.uniformed.services?igsh=b2s5Y3F2dGN3aHM4
