A 3-1 victory over their Dutch counterparts saw the defending champions start the campaign on a high but a 2-0 defeat to the French saw the trophy travel back across the Channel with the victors.
Army players Cfn Alfie Rogers (REME) and Cpl Jack Barber (RAMS) both lined up for what was a new-look UKAF side in the final, while there were another three soldiers on the bench, and Collins believes the experience will prove vital moving forward.
“We blooded six or seven new players and only started five from the team that won it last season,” he told SoldierSport.
“There were a lot of lads from the under-23s who were getting their first taste of the Kentish Cup, so that is a positive.
“We managed to work out the Dutch shape early and were able to cause them problems.
“Against the French, we have to hold our hands up and say they were better on the day.
“Alfie and Jack did fantastically well and will be great additions to the army senior squad in the future.
“This experience will live with the players for a long time and seeing the French celebrate at the end will hopefully inspire them for next season.”
Collins also reflected on the personal achievement of leading UKAF in what was the latest step in a stellar coaching career.
He said: “I’ve coached the army youth, under-23s, seniors, masters and reserve teams, so UKAF was next. I’m immensely proud to have worked through the system to get here.”
The team went on to face the German Bundeswehr in a remembrance fixture and will play the Irish Defence Force in Dublin on December 10.
Cpl Jack Barber (RAMS) leads an attack
