UK-wide cadet teams attend training event in Cardiff

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) recently held the 2025 National Fire Cadet Games took place in Cardiff, bringing together 31 youth cadet teams from across the United Kingdom.

The event, hosted in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University, was held in Wales for the first time.

Participants aged 13 to 18 took part in a series of practical scenarios testing communication, physical ability, and technical firefighting knowledge.

According to SWFRS, the activities included water rescue, trauma response, a fire safety awareness session, and a virtual reality search and rescue operation.

Additional modules featured prevention exercises, team-based challenges, and live response tasks designed to simulate real-world incidents.

Youth training, skills, and safety highlighted

Fire Cadets are young people who volunteer with their local fire and rescue services to gain training in firefighting, first aid, and community safety awareness.

According to SWFRS, cadets are viewed as future leaders and are supported in building teamwork and public service skills through events such as the National Fire Cadet Games.

Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan opened the three-day event and said: “These Games are about more than competition.

“They’re a celebration of the dedication, leadership, and passion these young people bring to their communities.

“Every cadet here represents the future of our service – and that future looks incredibly bright.”

Amy Jenkins, National Fire Cadet Games Co-ordinator, said:

“The success of the National Games reflects the teams’ commitment to delivering this important event, alongside the fire cadets from across the UK whose presence and passion made this weekend’s Fire Cadets National Games a great success.”

Winners and participants announced

The 2025 National Fire Cadet Games concluded with Bedfordshire Team 2 named as the overall winners.

SWFRS confirmed that the Abergavenny cadets, representing the host service, placed second in the competition.

The activities ran throughout the weekend, with results announced on the final day.

Participants were assessed on scenario performance, decision-making under pressure, and ability to operate within structured teams.

Games officials reported that the event also encouraged social connections between cadets from different UK regions.

Testimonials from cadets and visitors

Cumbrian cadet Olivia Paice, aged 17, shared her experience of the event. Paice said: “I’ve been a fire cadet for about five years now and I love it.

“We’ve all had a great weekend – we’ve met so many amazing people.

“I’ve really enjoyed the different challenges, but particularly the trauma segment.

“It’s very realistic, and you must adapt to the quickly changing scenario.”

The event also welcomed external guests, including the Mayor of Newport.

Councillor Kate Thomas said:

“It’s tremendously inspiring to see so much interest in the fire service from so many young people.
“It’s also been an incredible feat of organisation and co-ordination that is extremely impressive.”

Host service response and future outlook

SWFRS Commissioner Lady Wilcox commented on the Games and said “I’m proud that South Wales Fire and Rescue Service had the honour of hosting this year’s National Fire Cadet Games.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for our cadets to demonstrate the knowledge, teamwork, and confidence they have gained through their local Fire Cadet programmes.”

SWFRS confirmed that Cardiff Metropolitan University provided facilities for the weekend-long event.

The service thanked its staff, organisers, and supporting organisations for contributing to the delivery of the Games.

According to SWFRS, cadet initiatives remain part of long-term engagement strategies to involve young people in public safety and prevention work.

National Fire Cadet Games take place in Wales: Summary

The 2025 National Fire Cadet Games were hosted in Wales for the first time.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) held the event in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Thirty-one cadet teams from across the UK participated in the three-day programme.

The event included activities such as water rescues, trauma response, VR simulations, and safety education.

Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan opened the event and praised the participants’ commitment.

Bedfordshire Team 2 were announced as the overall winners of the Games.

SWFRS Abergavenny cadets secured second place in the final rankings.

Cadets volunteered their time to train in firefighting, first aid, and public safety roles.

The event also aimed to build cross-regional relationships between young people in the fire sector.

Cardiff Metropolitan University hosted the event on its facilities.

The service plans to continue supporting cadet development and public safety engagement.