SERC Return to United Through Sport
We were proud to welcome SERC back to the United Through Sport experience on a student sports tour. Having previously attended our South Africa programme for two years in a row, they ventured to the Caribbean with nine new students, all eager to work closely within local communities to not only enhance children’s sporting experiences but also develop their own coaching ability.
During their stay, the students worked closely with Trevor Daniels, delivering football coaching sessions, as well as supporting local preschools through our Adventure Sports Programme. Alongside this, they attended and took part in Saint Lucia’s national rugby training, giving them the opportunity to experience another aspect of the island’s sporting culture.
By working closely with our staff team and local coaches, the students were able to learn and develop a range of coaching techniques and apply them across different sports and age groups. Working with participants of varying ages allowed them to adapt their sessions to suit each group, ensuring everyone remained engaged while continuing to learn and develop through sport.
International Learning
International student sports tours are about far more than simply delivering coaching sessions. They promote confidence, leadership and all-round personal growth, while also expanding cultural knowledge and understanding.
Throughout their time with us, the group was encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone and work within environments that differ significantly from those they are familiar with at home. This change in setting required the students to think creatively and adapt their coaching sessions to make the most of the facilities and resources available.
Developing this ability to adapt not only builds confidence in their coaching skills but also provides a much deeper understanding of how sporting environments and opportunities can vary around the world.
One of the most rewarding aspects of a United Through Sport’s experiences is the opportunity to learn through real-life experiences that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom. Every coaching session encouraged the students to communicate effectively, solve problems, and work collaboratively with both local coaches and fellow participants. They quickly learnt the importance of being flexible, adapting activities to suit different age groups, abilities and facilities while ensuring every child felt included and motivated to take part.
Beyond developing practical coaching skills, the placement also strengthened qualities such as leadership, resilience and teamwork. Living and working in a different country gave the students a greater appreciation of another culture and highlighted the positive role that sport can play in bringing communities together. These experiences not only help prepare students for future careers within the sport and education sectors but also leave them with lifelong memories, increased confidence and a broader perspective on the impact they can have through sport.
For many of the students, this experience has not only enhanced their technical coaching ability but has also helped shape their future aspirations within the sporting industry.
Exploring Saint Lucia
Alongside their placement, the SERC students also had plenty of opportunities to explore the island and experience the culture of Saint Lucia.
Some of their highlights included:
- Hiking Pigeon Island.
- Visiting Soufrière, home to the Pitons, waterfalls and the famous mud baths.
- A beach BBQ.
- Spending time at Splash Island inflatable waterpark.
At United Through Sport, we are proud to welcome returning colleges that choose to experience a variety of our international programmes. It has been fantastic to see SERC return for another year, this time exploring everything Saint Lucia has to offer while continuing to make a positive impact through sport.
Interested in a sports tour for your students? Browse our opportunities here.