Cricket students undertake unforgettable South Africa tour

Myerscough Cricket teamed up with Inspire Sport Tours for a much anticipated cricket tour to South Africa.

The trip was the programme’s first tour for nearly five years and saw 39 students and four members of staff fly out for 11 days to Cape Town where they will participated in 13 competitive fixtures, in addition to other enrichment opportunities, including taking the cable cars up Table Mountain, as well as a game reserve drive to see the ‘Big 5’, all while staying on Cape Town’s VA waterfront.

Upon landing in South Africa, the Myerscough College cricket students were greeted with warmth and hospitality. The vibrant landscapes of South Africa, with its diverse flora and fauna, set the scene for an unforgettable adventure. The team was based in Cape Town, a city known for its stunning scenery and rich history.

Cape Town offered the students a glimpse into the heart of South African culture. They visited iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape of Good Hope. These excursions provided a deeper understanding of the country's history and its journey towards unity and reconciliation.

The students had the opportunity to play and train under different conditions and adapt to the challenges posed by the local pitches. The experience was invaluable as they learned to refine their techniques and strategies.

The matches played against local teams were intense and competitive, pushing the Myerscough students to perform at their best. They faced strong opposition but displayed resilience and sportsmanship, winning nine of the games. Each game was a learning experience, and the students gained new insights into the nuances of cricket.

Beyond cricket, the tour emphasized cultural exchange. The Myerscough students engaged with their South African counterparts, sharing stories, experiences, and perspectives.

The tour also included opportunities for leisure and exploration. The students went on safari, experiencing the breathtaking wildlife of South Africa. They saw the Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and Cape buffaloes – in their natural habitat, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

The tour to South Africa was more than just a series of cricket matches; it was a journey of discovery, learning, and growth. The students returned to Myerscough College with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to using their experiences to inspire others.

The trip was lead by Andy Massey, Myerscough Old Trafford Centre Manager and cricket tutor.

Andy said: ‘’It was an incredible 11 days in Cape Town and a trip that I will never forget.

‘’My objective when planning and putting this trip together was to create an experience of a lifetime for our learners, some of which may never get this opportunity again.

‘’What this trip has taught me is the value of a successful team ethos and creating a team that shares an equalled ambition to have a long lasting positive legacy on our students.

‘’Our group throughout strived to be the best version of themselves who supported each other through new life experiences that will impact their futures for the good.

‘’South Africa has shown us all both the luxuries and hardships that exist in the world resulting in a shared mind set of how we can make people’s lives a better place to live.

‘’I am proud of our students and how they represented the college and themselves. This tour has presented an opportunity to understand our students away from the classroom and more importantly allowed the staff to learn from our students.

‘’I would like to thank Inspiresport for their efforts and support in putting this tour together and a special thank you to the staff at Old Trafford, Brett Pelser, Rebecca Thompson and Sam Little, for their resilience and leadership in providing our learners with an unforgettable experience.''

‘’Our offer at Old Trafford is thriving and a place learners want to be. We are much more than what the classroom has to offer as we are creating exceptional young learners with a mindset to thrive and make a difference in society.’’

To find out more about studying cricket at Myerscough College’s centre at Emirates Old Trafford, click here