Kate James

A six-week volunteer placement in South Africa with United Through Sport opened my eyes to a whole new culture. United Through Sport’s mission is to use the power of sport to help children and youth on their pathway to success, they’re committed to the holistic development of each of our participants, focusing on their health, education and personal development.

My journey with United Through Sport started the summer before I started at Edge Hill University. I wanted to travel but also integrate meaningful impact and learning – and do something that would shine on a CV! Using savings from part-time work as a lifeguard, I was one of the youngest volunteers in my group, just turned 18. I went out to South Africa solo, but was soon surrounded by 20 other like-minded volunteers with whom I spent six weeks coaching a variety of sports in local township schools. I was in awe of the charity and the work they do, but also how much the experience had helped me grow as a person. I was ready to start at Edge Hill.

I love sport, but opportunities at primary school were limited. It wasn’t something that my primary school highly favoured. This is what motivates me today. When I went to high school, I joined all sports teams – my PE teacher pushed and inspired me. This is when I started playing basketball. Watching football is a big part of my family’s traditions, but I’d really love to go to an NBA Basketball Game.

I liked Edge Hill because it was a campus university – I’m from a very small village, so moving to a city didn’t appeal to me. I enjoyed the course, and knew there was great opportunity to progress into teaching afterwards. The best thing about Edge Hill University is the community feel, support networks and sports societies.

Sport helped me settle, grow and make friendships at university. I played basketball throughout university, and captained the Edge Hill Women’s first team in my final year, as well as playing for Liverpool Basketball Club. The EHU sports hall for basketball training, scrimmages and games were always social spaces for me. I’m also a very keen runner, and completed my first marathon at the end of last year. It was integral to my overall experience at University. I still play basketball, and recently joined a local women’s team here in Ghana. Alongside this, I also have a role developing our new basketball academy, Rising Stars of Africa.

The best parts of my degree were practical engagements, real life coaching scenarios, and learning through practical assessment. At university, many of my chosen modules focused on grassroots sport, sport development and sport in the community, and I based my dissertation around how childhood experiences affect lifelong participation in physical activity.

At uni, independent learning was a challenge initially. I had to adapt, as I’d always been highly guided through school and college. My tutors offered great support, and eventually I got the hang of it.

Our lecturers were amazing. They always encouraged debates, group tasks and discussions, and always with humour. My tutors were always calm and approachable, asking for support was simple.

My placement was in a secondary school. I learned how PE teaching differed from sports coaching. I shadowed different teachers and saw a variety of different teaching techniques.

I raised over £1,000 trekking more than 100 miles across Scotland over seven days, camping along the way. It was also a way of staying in touch with United Through Sport, and upon completion of my degree I was offered a position as a programme coordinator in South Africa, assisting the running of the volunteer programme.

After six months I was offered a full-time position as lead programme coordinator. I managed a small team in South Africa across all volunteer-related initiatives, and spent a total of three years in South Africa across these roles. Towards the end of 2025, I was offered a new challenge at our flagship organisation in Ghana.

I’m now the Volunteer Programme and International Liaison Officer based in Ghana full-time. I’m responsible for the strategic running of our sports programmes, volunteer placements and communicating with stakeholders and funders.

I use the things I learned at University every day in my job. Throughout my degree I learnt a lot about community engagement, the importance of physical activity and coaching techniques, and I utilise these skills through training volunteer coaches, engaging with local communities, and developing the number of young people who have access to physical activity and sporting opportunities.

There’s a huge, vibrant culture in Ghana, with food markets, street parties, and busy beaches. But Ghana is very different to the UK (and South Africa where I had access to many home comforts). Living, travel and road conditions are very different, so moving there has been challenging, with a lot to adapt to. After exposing myself to travel at a young age, though, I manage well. It has a developing economy, while the UK’s is highly developed and industrialised. Given the poverty, there’s a lot of unemployment, many schools don’t have enough teachers and resources for learning, and participation in sport and physical activity is very low. However, Ghana has the most friendly, happy and kind people.

Working abroad gives me life experiences and learning beyond the job. I’m lucky enough to have a full-time job, but I encourage every student to travel, volunteer or live abroad for a period of time. We often focus on the impact we make on the children and communities, but you also see the impact these experiences have on your own personal growth and development.

Ultimately, I want to be in a role where I’m making a difference and enhancing physical activity across communities. I’ve thought about teaching a lot, going back to university to complete a PGCE. However, after earning multiple opportunities and experiences throughout my work, I now wish to grow within the charity sector, managing sports programmes within the community. When I return to the UK, I’d like to look at careers with organisations such as Youth Sport Trust, Sport England or high level sports clubs with community development initiatives.

I had many adventures at Edge Hill. Basketball socials in the Students’ Union, backpacking on foot across Scotland for charity, and many trips and holidays with my house mates.

I’d advise any student to join a sports society alongside your studies. And be as involved in discussions as much as possible – don’t be afraid to ask questions.