IDEAL preparations underway for once-in-a-lifetime trip

As we move towards the end of the academic year, a quiet summer is certainly not on the cards for a group of sport students who have successfully been selected to take part in an innovative working trip to Ghana.

The second year students are to spend six weeks during June and July working in the African country as part of a recent partnership between Edge Hill University and UK Sport, called the IDEALS (International Development through Excellence and Leadership in Sport) programme.  

Although the programme has been running since 2006, further universities were invited to apply in 2010 and Edge Hill was chosen to be a new partner institution.  

"I've been involved with UK Sport on international development projects for a number of years now" explains Dr Iain Lindsey, Senior Lecturer in Sports Development.  

"Since joining Edge Hill I've seen how the University is developing its international profile and I believed the IDEALS programme would be a good thing for us to get involved with. Thankfully, we had great support from the vice-chancellor who really got behind the application and helped us to be successful," he adds.  

Once the news was received, Dr Lindsey visited the classes of sports degree students to explain the project and applications for places on the trip were received. "We had some very strong candidates and so it was really hard to choose the final six. Overall, we were looking for students who would truly benefit from the programme, ones who already had involvement in a variety of sports and who would be able to make a full and positive contribution while out in what is going to be a totally different environment."  

Samantha Day one of the successful students comments, "To go out to Ghana and help build something really positive is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was nervous when I first found out I'd been chosen, but now I am really excited and can't wait to get out there and achieve something that will have a lasting impact."  

During their trip the students will work with the University of Ghana and Ghanaian youth sport leaders, who as part of the Beckwith International Leadership Development programme have also been supported by UK Sport. "The students will deliver sessions in schools and communities together with activities on the university campus, whilst also helping out with a summer sports camp for young people. A lot of the teaching, coaching and development aspects relate back to what they have learnt on their courses over the past two years, but being able to get hands-on experience in a totally different environment will be fantastic for their professional development," adds Dr Lindsey.  

"On a personal level though, it's just a brilliant chance to grow as people too. Visiting new and unfamiliar places broadens your horizons, opens your mind and provides you with new perspectives and I'm sure all six of our students will return with a different outlook."  

The students selected have all had to commit to raising at least £750 each in sponsorship before the trip, which will cover expenses such as living costs, and all six have been hard at work to prepare themselves on a professional level. "We've been planning all kinds, from bag packing in local supermarkets, cake sales, a game of student-staff rugby and, quite ingeniously, an exercise bike ride equivalent to the length of Ghana, which is about 316 miles," reveals Danny Bacon, another of the selected students involved.  

"I was chuffed when I found out I'd been chosen, but also nervous as Ghana is so different to the UK. I think that by putting ourselves out of our comfort zones and adapting we can achieve a lot and make as real success out of this opportunity. I can't wait."  

From an organisational perspective, Dr Lindsey concludes, "Being involved in programmes such as this contributes to Edge Hill's international ambitions, raises profile, develops links and is good for the professional development of all those involved. We're now hoping to take part in the IDEALS programme every year and already have formed good relationships with staff from the University of Ghana, so we'll see where they lead."  

As part of these ongoing ambitions, once the students return from Africa they will then become ambassadors for the project and spend time promoting participation to others, ensuring they maintain ownership of the programme and that in time it becomes student led.