Barbados Sports Tour

Very early on Wednesday 11 December 2019, 23 Year 10 and 11 hockey and netball players and accompanying staff departed for nine days of sport, culture and sunshine in Barbados.

Over the course of the tour both the hockey and netball teams competed in four fixtures, with each team winning three games and losing just one. The girls adapted extremely well to playing in the heat and showed great maturity throughout the tour to make sure they were fit and healthy for each game. Every single player displayed outstanding effort and commitment for their team and I could not be more proud of them.

The fixtures were interspersed with some amazing excursions and experiences including a trip to Oistin’s Fish Fry and dancing in the rain with the local entertainers; a breath-taking 4x4 jeep safari across the whole island with some spectacular scenery and exciting off-road adventures; and a chance to swim with turtles in the open ocean on a catamaran cruise. Add to that watching the sunset on the beach; seeing stilt walkers, fire-eaters and limbo dancers whilst eating amazing local food; and countless more moments that I hope will live long in their memories.

On our return to a rather cold and wet Gatwick, it was a great feeling to be able to reflect on how well the girls had conducted themselves throughout the tour. They are a huge credit to themselves, their families and the School, with many hotel guests complimenting them on how polite and respectful they were. Thanks must also go to Miss Naomi Wilcock and Mrs Zoe Ireland for their help and support throughout the tour.

Mr Dan Emery, Director of Sport