Yvette Kemp

In 2008 (23 years old) I joined the British Army joining the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers as a vehicle mechanic.

In 2013 I deployed to Afghanistan on Op Herrick 18 fixing and maintaining armoured vehicles as part of a forward repair team in Afghanistan flying out to different locations fixing vehicles. Whilst deployed I received the REME sports personality of the year award which unfortunately I was unable to receive in person due to operational commitments.

Football is my main passion and I have played football since the age of 7, representing Gloucester city ladies (17 years) ,Glos County, Swindon Town FC, REME FA, and the Army Womens football team.

I currently still continue to represent the REME and I also coach the Army Womens Development football team with WO2 McDowell. I also have the role of the Army Womens Football Ambassador which involves promoting women’s football within the Army.

In 2018-2019.

After completing the 1 weeks RAPTC selection process, I I transferred to the Royal Army Physical Training Corps where I deployed for 9 months on Operation Toral at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA) as a Sgt RAPTCI.

My role was to deliver Physical Training (PT) to the Female Afghan Officer cadets, and train / mentor a female afghan PTI. Whilst on this tour I set up a initiative for personnel in the UK and around the world to send sports attire ( trainers, sports bras,) to the academy to enable to Afghan males and females officer cadets to have sufficient footwear and clothing whilst conducting PT. This was very successful receiving over 400 pairs of trainers.

Just before I deployed i obtained over £4000 worth of football kit from Chelsea FC both men and women’s (brand new) to take out to distribute to the Afghan men and women. I delivered several football events during my tenure, one at the officer academy where I organised a football match between the Afghan staff and cadets vs the coalition forces a/ force protection team. I also delivered 2 events at the BEK (British Embassy Kabul) where i took football coaching sessions for local female afghan women who didn’t have a safe place to play football. The England FA donated a further £4000 whilst on my RnR which enabled me to deliver more events.

My role at ANAOA was to deliver Physical Training (PT) to the Female Afghan Officer cadets and train / mentor a female afghan PTI. Whilst on this tour I set up a initiative for personnel in the UK and around the world to send sports attire ( trainers, sports bras,) to the academy to enable to Afghan males and females officer cadets to have sufficient footwear and clothing whilst conducting PT.
I received a Chief Commanders Commendation for my work on Op Toral.

2019-2021.

I was posted to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as a Sgt RAPTCI (Royal Army Physical Training Corps Instructor). This was a fantastic posting where i delivered PT to the future British Army Officer Cadets. Whilst at RMAS I coached the male cadet and permanent staff football teams. It was whilst coachig i recognised the need for more suitable sports pitches as the current ones were not fit for purpose. In June 2020 I initiated the implementation of 2 x 3G pitches (1x Rugby & 1 x Football) to be installed at RMAS. With the QMS support of my QM we received the approval of £1.8 million pounds from the Army Sports Control Board for these pitches to be installed providing much better sports facilities and improving the lived experience of the Officer Cadets.

Sept 2021 – Present.

I am currently based at 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery as the SSI RAPTC. Since arriving at the regiment I have worked hard to improve the delivery of the Physical Training Program and I’ve reinvigorated sport at the regiment. Whilst continuing my external roles playing, coaching and attending events as the Army Womens Ambassador I have conducted several sporting events for the Regiment including taking the regiment down to Surrey to partake in the 5km outdoor obstacle course called “The Nuts Challenge”.

Over the past 12 months i have commentated live with Jon Knight on Forces news the UK Armed Forces Mens & Womens football matches and the Army Inter services men & women’s football matches.