Ever since 2011, we have collaborated with the Bristol Academy of Sports on several Erasmus+ mobility projects. In each programme, we arrange accommodation as well as cooperation with the local facilities. We also function as translators and stick around throughout their stay in case there is the need for further questions and assistance. Working with this particular school has been an absolute pleasure these past years, which is why we are happy to share another positive experience right at the start of 2016!
From February 9th to February 23rd, we welcomed another 30 students, all of whom were boxers, accompanied by 7 members of the school staff. The goal of this 2 ½ week programme was to allow the students to get the opportunity to teach boxing at different local schools in order to get used to coaching, even in unusual situations, such as a foreign country with a language barrier involved.
About the programme
During the first week, the students, who were divided into two groups of 15 persons for a more effective teaching experience, were required to attend Spanish classes each morning from 09.00 to 11.45. In these Spanish classes, they learned how to overcome the language barrier mentioned above. After their lunch at the hotel, they held boxing classes for the local youth of Puerto de la Cruz.
On Saturday, they visited the famous Loro Parque, which is a must see in Tenerife that is conveniently located in Puerto de la Cruz. While the rest of us were probably lying by the beach that Sunday, by 9 o’clock, the group had already set off for the Teide National Park. In case you didn’t know, Mount Teide is Spain’s highest mountain at an altitude of 3718 m. When driving up there, you will feel the significant change in climate and the thinning of the air. And what do athletes do under such circumstances? They see it as an opportunity for advanced training. So our students went to the location not only to witness the beauty that is the volcanic land but also to run.
In week 2, they started coaching in smaller groups at different local schools. Both the schools and the boxing students benefited from this programme for various reasons. As previously mentioned, this procedure taught the boxing students how to coach, even in a foreign country, and helped them practice their teaching techniques. The three participating schools were the British School of Tenerife located in Los Realejos, La Pureza de María in Los Realejos and one other local school called CEIP Punta Brava in Puerto de la Cruz. In order to get from one school to the other, we provided transportation service for the students and their supervisors. In the afternoons from week 1, they went on with their boxing classes in Puerto de la Cruz.
Free time
The group’s last weekend was entirely dedicated to them enjoying Tenerife. On Saturday, they took a trip to Siam Park, which is one of the world’s biggest water parks, and is considered a must-go-to for any adrenaline junkie visiting the island. On Sunday, everybody was free to do what they wanted, to visit the places they wanted to see the most before leaving. Monday, being their last day, was reserved for another run up at the Teide National Park, which is highly valued because of its climatic and environmental conditions.
The Outcome
Over all, this project was another perfect example of a successful series of the Erasmus+ mobility projects carried out with the Bristol Academy of Sports. We’re looking forward to welcoming the next group to our school.
