"Through Sharks Forces, we aim to bring military veterans together to help tackle some of the isolation they can feel when they return home. "
Craig Monaghan
An installation of 40,000 model soldiers landed at Sale Sharks’ AJ Bell Stadium on Friday night as the Premiership Rugby club paid tribute to Britain’s armed forces through a partnership with Help for Heroes.
Sale took on Wasps live on BT Sport for the fixture, with the display located at the entrance to the stadium to highlight the challenges that many British soldiers face if their careers are ended by injury.
The 40,000 Strong display represents the number of veterans that have been medically discharged over the last 20 years and the link-up with Help for Heroes was part of a programme called Sharks Forces, which is aimed at helping military veterans across the North West.
Run by Sharks Community Trust – the club’s community arm – the programme helps participants build confidence and skills to help them return to civilian life, prevent isolation and often to find employment.
Military veteran Anthony Cooper took the honour of carrying the ball out on to the pitch before the fixture, which Sale eventually won 28-18. The club mascots for the game also wore specially made Sharks Forces t-shirts as the one-minute silence was perfectly observed.
Previously of the 1st battalion, Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, he sustained life-changing injuries in Afghanistan in 2009 after 10 years' service for his country and is now an active Sharks Forces participant.
The programme is led by Craig Monaghan, a former soldier who was wounded in Afghanistan and served in the army for more than six years. He said: “We worked really hard to get a lot of things in place for this fixture to show our support for Britain’s armed forces.
“I know from personal experience how difficult this month can be for ex-services personnel but having something as eye-catching as the 40,000 Strong display has made people stop and remember Britain’s fallen and wounded soldiers.
“Through Sharks Forces, we aim to bring military veterans together to help tackle some of the isolation they can feel when they return home. It’s also about helping them cope with the challenges of reintegrating back into society.
The fixture also saw a number of complimentary tickets given to serving personnel, ex-service personnel and their families from the Greater Manchester area. Poppies were sold around the stadium to raise money for the Royal British Legion and a minute silence was held before the game kicked-off.
“We have support available for those who need it, and thanks to our partnerships with groups like Help for Heroes, the programme is growing year-on-year and we are helping more veterans than ever,” added Craig.
“On the back of signing the Armed Forces Covenant two years ago, this fixture was another huge success – we raised money for a great charity, and we brought awareness to our programmes for other veterans – all whilst remembering those who can’t be with us.
“A huge part of my recovery came through playing rugby, so it is great to be able to use that as a way to connect with other veterans.
“There is a large community of ex-services personnel that have connected with us through the Sharks Forces programme, and we want to provide a support system that so many people need when they return home. We rely completely on funding and grants to deliver Sharks Forces so it’s really important that we continue to partner with groups and organisations that can help us grow the programme in the future to help even more people.”
