Sport Lived Introductory Drinks in Sydney

Sport Lived recently sent a group of 29 prospective sports men, women and coaches to Sydney. Their tenure is set to last just over five months from 15 March through until 23 August. During their time in Sydney, the group will partake in sports such as hockey, rugby union, football and netball. We managed to get our hands on some of the photos from the ‘Introductory Drinks’ which were held at the Opera Bar in Sydney’s picturesque Circular Quay. Coincidentally, the date fell on St. Patrick’s Day which meant that there were two reasons to celebrate and as we can see the participants had a great night. This evening should be the start of what will be a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable programme for them all in Sydney 2009.

 

Netball in Oz!

Kayleigh Higson is currently on a Sport Lived netball programme in Sydney and describes it as, “A once in a lifetime experience.  It’s has all been great with no downside”.

Kayleigh is playing for one of Sydney’s top clubs who have 3 state league teams who play in the strongest netball competition in Sydney and 9 social sides who play in a local netball competition.  After performing well during pre-season training Kayleigh was selected for her club’s State League Division 2 Team with whom she has played all season. Kayleigh has thoroughly enjoyed the excellent netball coaching and tuition she has received at her club.  ‘The training sessions and coaching we’ve received have been fantastic.  I really enjoyed pre-season training particularly the fitness testing and skill work and I felt really well prepared when the season started after Easter’. Kayleigh’s team are currently 5th and have an excellent chance of making the end of season Grand Finals which start in August.

Although Kayleigh has been playing matches and training with her club 2-3 times a week she’s found plenty of time to enjoy Sydney’s legendary nightlife. The weather and the relaxed attitude of the Australians guarantees lots of fantastic nights out. Something the girls have really noticed is the difference between the British and Australian way of life, ‘The lifestyle over here is just amazing. Nothing that you can even imagine. Everyone is just so laid back and easy going. It’s such a change from back home!’

Whilst in Sydney Kayleigh has been staying in 4 star city centre apartments with other Sport Lived participants.  Commenting on her accommodation, Kayleigh said, “we are right in the middle of everything. The Central Train station is a 2 minute walk away and you can get to all the main beaches within 20 minutes by public transport. There is also a great nightlife over here, which again is only a few minutes walk away form the accommodation. So only a short way to stagger home at the end of the night!”

She has praised the Sport Lived mentors who have been very supportive at every juncture. She told us that they ‘are great people and are always there when we have a problem or just need a chat.’

Kayleigh is having the time of her life living in Sydney and would thoroughly recommend the programme to other young people  ‘I’m having a fantastic time playing netball in Sydney and it is definitely something I would recommend to anyone who loves sport and wants to have a great time playing and coaching it overseas’.