Ricardo, Sports coaching placement, South Africa

The motivation

I had never flown before, let alone go halfway across the the world. I wanted to explore and come out of my comfort zone.

I wanted to make a positive impact on those less fortunate and use my knowledge to educate and develop their skills.

The placement

I coached a range of sports, including rugby, netball, football, dance, basketball and cricket, which I really enjoyed.

In these sessions, I supported the children to develop their agility, communication with each other and ability to work as a team. They developed leadership skills, their ability to focus and actively listen, their critical thinking skills, and the best part how to have FUN. 

My biggest achievement was about three weeks in, where I started to see that all the coaching points, all the instructions and everything I had guided my participants on, they had listened and taken on board. I could see that it had helped them and it just made me feel proud.

In England we are so privileged to have all the equipment and facilities and opportunities we are exposed to. I learned that I actually have the power to make a positive change on people and help them better themselves.

The location

My favourite thing was the safari. It was the best thing I could have done. All the animals I saw blew my mind. When we got to the lions at night time we were so close to them it was just great.