Bootham School put their faith in our ability to combine a mixture of some fixtures, fun, training, cultural immersion and we did just that. Collaboratively we discussed and agreed a great itinerary and the trip was a roaring success.

There’s something special about a school trusting you completely when you suggest, almost out of the blue, “How about a netball trip to Barbados?”. Bootham School did exactly that, and their week long adventure turned into something truly memorable.

A Netball Tour Built the Right Way

Bootham wanted competitive fixtures, training, cultural immersion and fun. Together, we shaped an itinerary centred around three fixtures arranged with a local school and two Barbadian clubs. Once the fixtures were confirmed, everything else fell naturally into place.

Playing local opposition rather than other UK schools abroad, is an important part of our approach to building a great sports trip.

A Beachfront Base and a Warm Welcome

The group stayed on Worthing Beach, close to Bridgetown, a brilliant base for exploring the island. Rooms overlooked the turquoise Caribbean Sea and the hotel pool, and our restaurant host, Nandi, took such good care of the girls that there were tears when we said goodbye.

The first afternoon set the tone for the trip: bouncing around at Rascals Waterpark, swimming in warm water and sipping coconut-water mocktails. The Barbados dream settled in instantly.

A Standout Experience with a local school

One of the most meaningful moments of the tour came during the visit to play a netball game against a local school. The fixture was designed not only as a match but as a cultural exchange, offering insight into Barbadian school life.

Walking through classrooms with no Smartboards, no canteen and a car park used as a playground gave the girls valuable perspective. The whole school came out to watch the match, which was tightly contested and won narrowly by Bootham. Afterwards, spontaneous games broke out – running races, hopscotch and even road-tennis, a local favourite.

A simple lunch shared with the pupils we visited was a humbling and unforgettable moment, and many of the girls said it was the highlight of their trip.

Exploring the Best of Barbados

The rest of the week was packed with island experiences:

• A full-day catamaran cruise with snorkelling above a shipwreck and swimming with sea turtles
• An all-island tour, including sugar plantations and the suburban home where Rihanna grew up
• A visit to the Wildlife Park to feed monkeys and see native species
• Essential shopping time in Bridgetown (so essential, in fact, they went twice!)

Friday Night at Oistins
No trip to Barbados is complete without Oistins Fish Fry. With food, music and lively crowds, it’s a must-see, and thanks to early booking, the group enjoyed one of the best tables at Moe’s.

A Magical Last Morning

Before flying home with Virgin Atlantic, early-risers watched racehorses being exercised in the sea at sunrise. It was a peaceful, once-in-a-lifetime moment and the perfect end to an exceptional netball tour.

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