Roy in South Africa

My story

In 2015 I went to South Africa for three weeks for a wonderful holiday in and around Cape Town. The best day I had there was when we went into the townships with a local. I saw up close how lovely all the people there are, despite the difficult circumstances they have to live in. I also discovered that sport really can connect people. We started playing football with one family, and by the end of the day there were fifty of us playing, young and old. People came up to us and said they were really happy with us, because they hadn’t been able to play so freely for five months, and certainly not with so many people.

From that day on, it was my dream to go back to the South African townships to help those amazing people through sport. When I found out about United Through Sport, I didn’t hesitate for a moment: I simply had to do my internship there. Luckily it wasn’t difficult at all; I sent an email, ten minutes later a meeting had been arranged and a week later I’d been accepted. It all went very smoothly, as did the preparation. I got a handbook about the organisation, the culture, insurance and everything else that might come in handy. I was ready to go!

I’d recommend everyone to join the family, because however clichéd it sounds, that’s really how it feels!

For ten weeks I got to live my dream every day in Port Elizabeth. It’s not the most amazing city, but I’ll never forget the things I did and the people I met! I enjoyed every single day. From the laughing children and fun with fellow coaches to karaoke at Barney’s and then going out at White Tiger or Beershack. From the nice fancy restaurants to the delicious street snacks, biltong (a South African delicacy: dried meat) and pepper steak pie. From a safari to the highest bridge bungy jump in the world. From surfing to ice skating (no lie). From watching rugby together to chilling by the pool together with a cold Corona.

Alongside everything in that amazing list, there’s of course still work to be done for the internship, but that’s great fun too. For my internship, for example, I had to organise a tournament with a few of the schools we visit every week. A challenge with no budget and limited opportunities to go into the townships, but that’s what makes it interesting. In the end it was a really fun tournament, with exhausted but very happy children as the result.

I also organised a fundraiser. All the volunteers were going on a holiday week to Cape Town, so we came up with the idea of climbing Lion’s Head, and people back home could sponsor us. That was one of the most amazing things to do. We started climbing before 6 in the morning, so we saw a truly beautiful sunrise, with a fantastic view over the city as it woke up and crept out from under the mist. Of course the rest of the Cape Town trip was also one big amazing experience and a great end to my time at UTS. I always felt safe in South Africa and it’s definitely one of my favourite countries. You’re definitely in for a great time if you choose an internship at UTS. I’d recommend everyone to join the family, because however clichéd it sounds, that’s really how it feels! Good luck and enjoy guys!

Cheers

Roy