Le Bocage Sports Development: Building Confidence, Leadership, and Community

/0 Comments/in , , /by

At Le Bocage High School, the growth of our sports programme is powered by the strong partnerships we’ve established. These collaborations have equipped us with the resources, expertise, and support to create a dynamic and inclusive environment, offering students a broader range of opportunities to thrive both on and off the field.

This year, we’re especially proud of the strides made by our female football team. This team has quickly become a cornerstone of our sports community, providing young girls with a space to develop their skills, build confidence, and foster camaraderie.

A recent milestone was a student-led initiative: a tournament against the female teachers—the first event of its kind. This historic match showcased the players’ growing confidence, leadership, and determination. It brought the school community together, celebrating sport as a powerful tool for empowerment and connection.

Our netball program has also seen impressive progress. Over the past few months, the teams have sharpened their techniques and strategies, with clear improvements on the court. Players and coaches alike have noted a surge in confidence and teamwork, and the program’s growing popularity has led to a significant increase in participation.

In response to popular demand, we’ve also expanded our football program to include boys’ teams. The enthusiasm from the boys has been incredible, and it’s been a joy to see them showcase their talent and passion for the game. This addition has further enriched our school’s sports culture, creating more opportunities for students to explore and excel.

The success of our sports program lies in its inclusivity and the diverse opportunities it provides. From the trailblazing female football team and the expanding netball program to the newly introduced boys’ football, each initiative reflects the spirit of growth and community at Le Bocage. Events like the student-led tournament highlight the values of leadership, collaboration, and breaking down barriers.

At United Through Sport, we are thrilled about what the future holds for the students. By continuing to invest in their development and ensuring equal opportunities, we aim to empower every young athlete to build confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong memories through sport.

A Game-Changer for Female Sports: First Female UTS Sports Camps at Pavillion, Mauritius

/0 Comments/in , , /by

This year, Loreto College Quatre Bornes (LCQB) hosted an event that redefined female sports on the island. The first female UTS Mauritius sports camps at Pavillion brought together girls aged 12 to 16 for a four-week experience in football and netball. More than just games, this initiative shattered stereotypes, nurtured talent, and inspired a brighter future for female athletes.

Pioneering Opportunities

For many girls, competitive sports have been limited by societal norms and lack of resources. The UTS camps at Pavillion aimed to change that, providing a platform to develop athletic skills, foster self-worth, and create a sense of belonging.

“This is more than just a sports camp,” said an organiser. “It’s about helping these girls discover their potential and overcome barriers.” The camp’s inclusive environment encouraged participants to explore their abilities, with personalized coaching and tailored activities helping them grow both on and off the field.

Transformative Impact

The camp’s impact extended beyond the courts. For many, it was their first structured sports program, building confidence as they discovered strengths and learned perseverance.

One participant shared, “I used to be shy, but now I’m confident, especially when playing my sport. I know I’m good at it!” Another said, “The best part wasn’t just learning skills; it was working with my team and helping each other succeed.”

The camp also fostered resilience, with one girl stating, “I’ve learned that giving up is never an option. No matter how tough it gets, you keep going.” These lessons extend beyond sports, building skills for life.

Bright Future Ahead

The success of the camp has sparked excitement for the future. Plans are underway to expand the program, making it an annual event with more participants and schools involved. Organisers envision a future where every girl can explore her athletic potential, regardless of background.

“Every girl deserves the chance to discover her strength and see that sports are for everyone,” said Darren Taylor, Country Director for UTS Mauritius. The hope is to inspire similar initiatives, creating a ripple effect that empowers young girls across the island.

Celebrating Empowerment

This camp is about more than sports; it’s about empowerment. It celebrates the limitless potential of young girls and their ability to break through societal barriers. It highlights the power of sports to transform lives and strengthen communities.

The First Female Sports Camps at Pavillion is more than an event—it’s a movement. With continued support, it promises to inspire countless girls to embrace the life-changing lessons of teamwork and resilience. The vision is clear: a future where every girl knows she belongs in sports and that her potential is limitless.

Empowering Girls Through Netball

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

United Through Sport is expanding netball in Mauritius, involving 120 girls and aiming to reach more schools. The programme empowers young girls through sport, with support from coaches and organisations like World Netball.

Read more

Volunteer Testimonial: Giving Back to United Through Sport Communities

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

Hear from Nade Ward, one of our previous volunteers in Saint Lucia, and how he continues to give back to United Through Sport through his company Socker Share.

“In 2019, I took part in a football coaching volunteer project for United Through Sport. I visited the incredible country of Saint Lucia, in the hope of making a difference, without even realizing just how much impact I would go on to have.

I coached after-school clubs at Marchand and Vide Bouteille primary schools, delivered sessions at a local pre-school, as well as coached senior teams at two of the islands popular football clubs, Valley Soccer and Big Players FC, helping them to prepare for league matches. I also raised £1,077.85 for the charity prior to my trip!

Whilst I was out there, an issue was brought to my attention: charities receive boot donations, but never any socks, meaning that children are having to play football bare feet!

Problems need solving and that is exactly what my cousin Connor and I have set out to do. Socker Share was born in October 2020, a brand that promises to match each purchase with a donation of socks to an underprivileged child, so that they can wear football boots without damaging their feet.

We have proudly partnered with United Through Sport, currently supporting their Saint Lucia, Mauritius, and South Africa programs, which means the world to me because it is those children who inspired our initiative in the first place.

We have seen so many amazing United Through Sport volunteers join our community, which is something that we are incredibly grateful for, with our following growing more and more each day.”

You can get involved by visiting our website www.sockershare.co.uk, as well as following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – @SockerShare. Together, we are making a huge difference.

Internship Testimonial: Volunteering In South Africa Was The Best Decision I Ever Made!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Exactly one year ago I packed my bags, said goodbye to family & friends and left home. I had absolutely no clue what the next six months would bring, but it turned out to be the best time of my life. 

Living abroad, getting to know yourself, learning about new cultures, meeting the absolute best people ever, is something I would recommend to everyone. I don’t regret anything… Okay maybe one thing, and that is to not fully enjoy every moment – even the little things. Because before you know it, you are on the plane back home and you regret just taking some moments in and taking it easy. But there is such little time, so you want to do everything, be everywhere and see everything.

Everyone I met during my time in South Africa holds a special place in my heart and I appreciate every single moment. From going out to Barneys and White Tiger, to ordering pizzas and eating it in the Wi-Fi room while watching TV, to safaris, and of course, coaching the amazing children. 

Because that is what they are: amazing. The children I have met in South Africa who live in the disadvantaged areas of Port Elizabeth are my little friends, and I miss them every single day. They brought something into my life that is hard to describe. It is so special, and I did not thank them enough, because I did not know how to. I loved coaching them, having fun, dancing, singing and really being a part of their lives for a while. Sometimes I wonder how they are doing. Are they okay? Are they safe? Are they following the big dreams they told me about? I hope they are. Because that is what they deserve. 

My time in South Africa was special and I would 10000000% do it all over again. Give me a plane ticket today and I would run to the airport. To people considering volunteering: definitely go and see South Africa if you have the chance. The country is beautiful and the people living there even more beautiful. I have met the best people ever, with the most incredible life stories. They are inspirational and I am happy to call them my friends and even my family! 

The wildlife is absolutely stunning. I could not get enough of safaris and am happy I did every single one. I saw so many beautiful things! The sunsets I saw were incredible, I cried almost every sunset because in those moments I felt so grateful. Just sitting there, on the beach and watching the sun go down with amazing people surrounding me in the best country I have ever visited. I am happy I can call Port Elizabeth my home, even though I left, it will always be a part of me.

All I have left to say is it had a real impact on me. It was the best decision ever and I miss it every single day. Port Elizabeth has a special place in my heart, and I hope to go back there some time to see my friends and the children again.

 

  • Carlotte Klop, Amsterdam