SPORT and exercise science students from Bridgwater College enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to South Africa.

This is the fourth time the college has organised the trip to work with ‘United Through Sport’ in Port Elizabeth.

Twenty five students took part and were able to continue the work from last year.

The students coached football, rugby, netball and hockey to children and ran the township tournament for six schools - with more than 240 U13 children competing in the competition.

Student Chelsea Edwards said, “The coaching was really challenging, due mainly to the language barrier, but it also really enjoyable.” Student Natasha Rae added, “I found the coaching experience to be really inspirational, and we all worked really hard to make sure the children had fun.”

The students awarded the winning schools with medals and trophies, thanks to the support of TrophyCentre.com. Other supporters included Martin Cassidy from 5 Star Ltd, who donated a range which was distributed amongst the most poverty stricken schools.

They also took more equipment out and raised funds for the Centre of Excellence and the Zama project. They also raised funds for extra kit to run the township schools’ sport tournament.

Sports tutor Emma Pike said: “The students showed outstanding enthusiasm, commitment and teamwork to coach the children in the township schools.

“They coped with poor facilities, conditions and hot temperatures, to deliver coaching sessions of a high standard.”

Morrisons in Bridgwater supported the group when they fundraised by bag packing. Ms Pike has thanked the superstore and all their customers who donated.