Forged in Fire – Chapter Four: Bureaucracy and Battle Plans

“Turns out, storming a raid boss is easier than getting an empty room on a military base.”

Bureaucracy and Battle Plans

Fortunately for me, though, my application to the RAF Central Fund was, unbeknownst to me, being actively processed. I only discovered this about two weeks after returning home from Iraq when I received a summons to the SWO’s office. Now, naturally, my mind immediately raced through the usual suspects: was it the alarming number of charity rubber wristbands I was wearing, or perhaps the dubious length of my sideburns? You can imagine my surprise when he revealed that the Sports Lottery was genuinely interested in the bid.

It turned out the person championing my application had gone above and beyond, even contacting the British Esports Association and speaking directly with its CEO, a Mr. Chester King. This was incredibly fortunate; my bid was being handled by someone who not only understood but also believed in the vision I was trying so hard to paint. My goal for the club was twofold: a “sharp end” for the fiercely competitive, “sweaty” types who craved high-stakes play, but also a “community end” for everyone else. This meant a welcoming space for those who simply wanted to play with others in team-building games, enjoy solo sessions, or just come along to watch and support, much like people do on Twitch.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely hate being injured. I detest being a patient and having to rely on others – whether it’s having people cook for me or not being able to walk Lady, our beloved Basset Hound. But I guess I could have simply wasted that opportunity, spent those three weeks glued to Jeremy Kyle and chasing trophies on the PlayStation Network. Instead, I chose not to. It was during that unexpected period of enforced downtime that I found my true advantage.

With ample time now on my hands, I was able to answer every single question posted to me by the RAF Central Fund. I drafted mission statements, club constitutions, committee positions, Terms of Reference, a detailed shopping list for equipment, and even proposed 3D room designs for a space I hadn’t even secured yet! I outlined how I would build an association and even envisioned inter-station competitions in the form of the RAF Championships. They asked, and I delivered – in spades. With every answer, I aimed to make it absolutely impossible for them to say ‘No’. I desperately wanted this to happen, and I think my passion was evident in everything I did.

Next time on Forged in Fire…

We finally find our space. And once we step inside? Everything changes.

In Chapter Five: Room to Grow, we claim our fortress. It’s dusty. It’s disused. It’s perfect. This is the moment the RAF Odiham Blades truly begin to take shape — and we start building something no one’s done before.