ALDERSHOT Town led the National League in becoming the first football governing body to sign the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant at a ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London last Thursday.

Represented by club captain Sean McGinty, midfielder Jake Gallagher, chairman Shahid Azeem and director John Leppard, alongside National League chairman Brian Barwick, senior members of the Ministry of Defence and soldiers from the London Irish Regiment and HQ London District, the covenant was signed in the historic Wellington Conference Room.

On behalf of its 68 member clubs, the National League has joined an ever-growing list of leading companies and organisations in signing up to the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, which Aldershot Town were the first football club to sign in May 2014.

Brian Barwick said: “When we come into these hallowed surroundings, it reminds us all that football, and sport, is one of life’s great diversions. Sometimes we lose perspective of what really matters in life, and it is a privilege for us to pledge our support for the brave servicemen and women who do such remarkable things on our behalf.

“It is also a real privilege for the National League to have been given the opportunity, through the work of Shahid Azeem, to be the first league to sign the covenant. National League clubs are a huge part of their communities and we should do everything we can to support an initiative like this. We won’t let you down.”

Shahid Azeem said: “As the football club which represents the home of the British Army, it was vital that we played a major role in both signing the covenant ourselves and encouraging the National League to do likewise. The club is very proud of its links with the armed forces.”

Also present was Major-General John Crackett, assistant chief of the defence staff, Lt Col Guy Benson, SO1 Engagement Projects for HQ Regional Command in Aldershot, and Lt Col Nigel MacGregor (Commander, Aldershot Garrison).

The Wellington Conference Room was previously used, in the 19th century, as the main office of the Duke of Wellington, and has changed little since that time.