Today, the Year 2 Sport and Exercise Science students are travelling to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Here they will be volunteering with the charity “United Through Sport” who look to educate and inspire children within the township areas. The students will be coaching football, rugby, hockey and netball in a range local primary schools. The trip is the result of months of planning which has included the students organising a range of fundraising activities including; the annual 24 hour football match, bag packs at the Morrison’s Bridgwater store, cake sales and a raffle. Fundraising is essential as these sufficient funds not only purchase additional equipment and kit, but also enables the students to run a fantastic sport tournament for around 250 children of the local schools of the township. All of the children and accompanying staff members will have meals provided on the day also.

Alongside coaching, students will also be teaching Maths, English and Science, whilst also assisting in the delivery of after school workshops. These workshops give the local children the opportunity to not only further their education, but also the chance to develop essential life skills. The students are extremely excited to embark on this once in a lifetime opportunity and are looking forward to the experiences that they will share together.

Alex Leach, Course Leader for Sport and Exercise Science said:

I would like to thank the local businesses and community who have provided excellent support, and enabled us to raise the funds to support the coaching sessions and tournament. A big thank you to Morrison’s Bridgwater for their continued support of the trip through enabling the students to complete bag pack sessions. Also, we would like to thank all of the companies who supported the sponsorship raffle, with the winners being local business Cases Sheet Metal Fabrication

Grace Cornford, a student embarking on the trip, said:

After months of preparation, I think I can safely say for everyone going that we are beyond excited for the experience that lies ahead of us. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, which we are all extremely grateful for.