In early April 2023, a group of enthusiastic teachers embarked on our first-ever WorldStrides Soccer Teacher Training Trip to the United Kingdom. Spending six days travelling the UK, our group of 10 were immersed in the heart of British soccer culture, soaking up knowledge from soccer professionals and coaches, participating in educational activities and learning firsthand what our students experience on a trip with WorldStrides. From Melbourne to Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and London, our passionate group attended premier league matches, visited iconic stadiums, and experienced the UK’s rich history, culture and landmarks. Read on and watch the recap video below to hear what our group got up to each day on this unforgettable Teacher Training Trip in the UK.
Day 1 – After a long flight, our group touched down at Manchester airport and were straight off to the Halifax vs Wrexham match at MBi Shay Stadium. Joining in the corporate Good Friday lunch, everyone was thrilled to experience such amazing hospitality in a historic club and stadium. FC Halifax Town Manager and Chairman also sat down and chatted with the group after an impressive win against Wrexham. It was an incredibly warm welcome and a great way to kick off the first day of the trip!
Read the first day’s recap by Matt McDonald from Marist College in Canberra here.
Day 2 – After starting the day with a short team trip to Old Trafford, our group spent some time with former Everton Football Club Youth Academy Director, Ray Hall. Our group was privy to Ray’s insight into how clubs at the highest level deal with talent identification, development, technical and physical training, as well as his personal experiences on the job. The groups’ sights were then set on Manchester United taking on Everton FC. The evening was spent at Hotel Anfield where Neil “Razor” Ruddock was the guest speaker providing insights into his playing career.
Day 4 – Our group started the day by saying goodbye to their incredible hosts in Manchester and headed down the road stopping in The Midlands and Birmingham’s oldest secular building, The Old Crown. Built in 1368, this quaint area provided the perfect photo opportunities for the group before they enjoyed a lovely bite to eat. The group then journeyed on to visit Aston Villa FC (Villa Park) and Birmingham City FC (St Andrews) before continuing to The Hawthorns stadium to watch a Championship Match between West Bromwich Albion and the visitors from London, Queens Park Rangers.
Read the fourth day’s recap by Ben Bailey from PEGS College in Victoria here.
Day 5 – Moving onto London, the day started with a guided tour of London’s oldest registered club, Craven Cottage the home ground of Fulham Football Club, which was established in 1879. The tour highlighted the combination of a heritage-listed stand & cottage as well as the new updated modern stand. The day then took our group on a short trip across to Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea Football Club for a bit of merchandise shopping and lunch in the grounds precinct, The Tea House. The highlight of the day was the visit to Brentford Stadium in North London to watch The Matildas play against The Lionesses of England. The home team hadn’t lost a game in their last 31 matches, but on this special occasion, the Matilda’s were far too good and came away with a 2-0 win which was a great result for our group to watch and enjoy.
Day 6 – The final day of our UK Soccer Teacher Training Trip started with free time in London for shopping and sightseeing. After gathering at the hotel to get dressed up one last time, the group headed off to The Strand in London for our exclusive invitation to the The Matildas function at the Australian High Commission. Our group was humbled and honoured to receive the invitation, but even more thrilled that many of The Matildas took the time to chat and have their photos taken with our group. It was a memorable and surreal experience for everyone and what a way to finish an absolutely incredible week for our Soccer Teacher Training Trip in the UK.
Read the sixth day’s recap by Angela Thompson from Padua College in Queensland here.
WorldStrides offers FREE Teacher Training Trips when you book your first tour with us. You will have the opportunity to meet other teachers who love to travel, get insider tips from the WorldStrides team and hear from a veteran teacher on leading student tours. From experiencing on-tour logistics first-hand to learning about our robust safety and security measures, you’ll come away with a greater understanding of what to expect on your tour. If you’d like to know more about our free training trips, please complete this form, or call 1800 331 050 or email info@worldstrides.com.au