William is new Mayor's Cadet of the Year!

The popular 15-year-old, a Royal Marine Cadet from Trafford Sea Cadets, was selected for the major honour from a group of Cadets across Trafford.

William, who attends North Cestrian School, will now accompany Trafford Council Mayor, Cllr Jane Brophy, at Armed Forces-related events across the borough - and his first engagement will be The Battle of Britain Parade.

He said: “I am delighted to have been selected as the new Mayor’s Cadet of the Year. This is a huge honour for me and I am really looking forward to attending events across the borough with the Mayor. It’s very exciting.”

William is already a black belt in martial arts and has recently attended the Royal Navy School of Physical Training with the aim of eventually becoming a Royal Navy physical training instructor. He is also a qualified youth instructor at British Military Martial Arts, having completed an industry-recognised instructor training course.

He is a Trafford Royal Marine Cadet and the group has successfully held the prestigious Mayor’s Cadet of the year position for three consecutive years which is an achievement never seen before.  The first, from 2023–2024, Cadet SGT Madison Grace, served with distinction, representing the whole of Trafford and all cadet forces. The second, LC Leading Cadet Sophia Keefe, recently passed the defence aptitude tests and is planning a life of service at sea.

The Mayor, who selected William as her Cadet of the Year, said: “Well done to William for being named the new Mayor’s Cadet of the Year. What a fantastic and intelligent young man – his family must be very proud. I am delighted William will be accompanying me attending events in our borough”.

Petty Officer (SCC) Stuart Hurlston, Detachment Commander, said: “I am so delighted for William. Joining the Cadet forces doesn’t mean you have to pursue a career in the military, but it can open a clear pathway if you wish to join.

“Above all else, the cadet experience is all about giving young people the building blocks for a successful future no matter what path they choose. I am overwhelmed by this achievement – and it is for the third time. I look forward to watching this year's Mayor’s Cadet supporting the Mayor with her civic duties. Thank you again so much Trafford council for yet again believing in our young people.”