Lincoln City FC Partners with Red Arrows for Promotion Push

Innovative collaboration aims to boost team's performance and fan engagement

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:21pm

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Lincoln City Football Club has announced a unique partnership with the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows aerobatic display team, as the League One club seeks innovative ways to boost its chances of promotion to the Championship. Manager Michael Skubala says the club's 'brave' approach to finding new training methods and fan engagement strategies led them to collaborate with the renowned aerial display team.

Why it matters

The partnership between Lincoln City and the Red Arrows is an unconventional move in the world of professional football, but one that reflects the club's ambition to explore novel approaches to player development and fan experience. As smaller clubs face increasing challenges to compete with the resources of larger rivals, this collaboration highlights how innovative thinking can help level the playing field.

The details

Under the agreement, the Red Arrows will provide specialized training for Lincoln City's players, focusing on areas like teamwork, communication, and high-pressure decision making. The club will also incorporate Red Arrows-themed fan engagement activities, including flyovers and joint community events, aimed at energizing the club's supporter base.

  • The partnership was announced on April 8, 2026.
  • Lincoln City is currently in 5th place in League One, the third tier of English football.

The players

Michael Skubala

The manager of Lincoln City Football Club, who championed the innovative partnership with the Red Arrows.

Red Arrows

The Royal Air Force's renowned aerobatic display team, known for their precision flying and crowd-pleasing performances.

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What they’re saying

“We've been really brave in our search for innovative ways to get promoted, and working with the Red Arrows is a big part of that. Their expertise in areas like teamwork and high-pressure decision making is invaluable, and we're excited to see how it can translate to the pitch.”

— Michael Skubala, Manager, Lincoln City FC

“This partnership is a unique opportunity for us to share our skills and experience with a professional sports team. We're looking forward to working closely with Lincoln City and helping them achieve their promotion ambitions.”

— Squadron Leader Tom Bould, Red Arrows Team Leader

What’s next

The Red Arrows will begin working with Lincoln City's players and staff in the coming weeks, with the first joint fan engagement event scheduled for May 1st.

The takeaway

Lincoln City's partnership with the Red Arrows demonstrates how smaller clubs can leverage innovative thinking and unconventional collaborations to gain a competitive edge, even against better-resourced rivals. This unique initiative could serve as a model for other clubs looking to explore new avenues for player development and fan engagement.