A group of 16 female sports students got a taste of what it is like to live and play sport abroad thanks to an innovative Government scheme.
The group, who are all Sports Coaching and Performance students at North Kent College, spent two weeks in Seville as part of the Turing Scheme.
The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s global programme to study and work abroad, providing funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world.
The trip marked two firsts, it was the first time North Kent College has taken part in the Turing Scheme, and the first time an all-female group has been part of the sports sector in the Turing Scheme.
John Mullins, Head of Curriculum for Sports Coaching and Performance, was in no doubt of the benefits of the trip for the students.
“This was a unique opportunity for the 16 girls to experience living and playing sport abroad. Going to Seville has given the girls the chance to experience first-hand a different cultures and language. This was a big change for the girls who spent 24/7 with their peers for 15 days. It was also a unique opportunity for the company providing the sports activities to have an all-female cohort,” he said.
During their two weeks in Spain the group had tours of both Real Betis and Sevilla FC football stadiums, played football and padel tennis and were put through their paces in some Athletic sessions, took Spanish lessons, tried out kayaking and spent plenty of time exploring the city.
The Turing Scheme was set up to enable participants to broaden their horizons by gaining international experience, develop language skills and gain a better understanding of other cultures. It also is a good addition to their CVs, making them stand up more in the global job market.
North Kent College offers Sports Coaching and Performance courses at its Dartford Campus, which is home to the £22million Osterberg Sports Centre and includes a large multi-purpose sports hall, three sports fields, and access to a strength and conditioning room and fitness suite.
The courses also offer access to the North Kent College Football Academy for Boy’s and Girl’s teams where students wishing to improve their football skills and performance have access to three training sessions per week and football fixtures on Wednesdays in the U18 Kent KSFA League and National Football Youth League.
To find out more about studying Sports Coaching and Performance, visit the course explorer page of the North Kent College website.