What GCSE Subjects Should You Take?

When most people think of a career in sport, their first thought is often about becoming a professional athlete. While that’s one exciting path, the sporting world offers a wide range of careers behind the scenes too – from coaching and physiotherapy to sports journalism, event management, and even data analysis.

If you’re passionate about sport and starting to think about your GCSE options, it’s important to know how the subjects you choose now can help shape your future in this dynamic and rewarding industry.

Why Choose a Career in Sport?

Sport offers more than just competition – it’s about leadership, health, teamwork, and community. Whether you dream of helping athletes perform at their peak, running major sporting events, or working in sports science or media, the industry is full of exciting opportunities that suit all interests and skill sets.

GCSE Subjects to Consider for a Career in Sport

To help set you on the right path, here are some common sport-related careers and the GCSE subjects that can help you get there:

Final Thoughts

No matter what career in sport you’re interested in, combining your passion with the right qualifications is key. Choose subjects that excite you and play to your strengths, and don’t be afraid to explore different areas of sport – sometimes the most exciting opportunities are the ones you hadn’t considered yet.

At inspiresport, we believe in developing the whole athlete – whether you’re on the pitch or planning a career behind the scenes. Our sports development tours can help inspire your journey by giving you hands-on experience with professional environments, expert coaching, and unforgettable opportunities to grow.

Ready to take the first step in your sporting future? Start by exploring your GCSE choices and think about how they connect to your passion. Who knows? Your next school tour might just be the moment everything clicks into place.

What’s Right for Your School?

Organising a school sports tour is an exciting opportunity to take your pupils beyond the playing field – and possibly even beyond the UK. However, when it comes to deciding between a long haul or short haul sports tour, the options can feel a bit overwhelming. At inspiresport, we know how important it is to get the balance right between value, experience, and development for your young athletes – both on and off the field.

So, what’s the difference? And more importantly, which one’s right for your school or club?

Let’s break it down.

What are the Benefits of a Long Haul Sports Tours?

Long haul tours are the big adventures – the trips that take you and your team far from home to exciting destinations like Canada, the USA, Argentina, India, Dubai, Australia, or South Africa.

Why Consider Long Haul?

Cultural Exchange & Global Perspective: These tours offer a truly immersive cultural experience. Whether it’s playing rugby in Argentina, netball in Australia, or cricket in India, your students will encounter new customs, traditions, and ways of life that help develop empathy, respect, and a broader worldview.

Athletic Development: Long haul tours often include unique training opportunities – playing against international teams, trying out new drills, and picking up fresh and distinctive techniques from expert international coaches. This kind of exposure builds adaptability and confidence while sharpening skills in challenging conditions.

Team Bonding & Personal Growth: Being far from home naturally brings people together. Students become more resilient, independent, and confident as they navigate new environments together. Moreover, when everyone is out of their comfort zone, real growth (and fun!) happens.

Extra Activities & Charitable Work: With longer trips come more time for excursions – whether that’s visiting New York’s landmarks or heading out on safari in South Africa. Some of our long haul tours also include opportunities for meaningful charitable work, giving back to the communities you visit.

Check out one of our recent tours, where Merchiston School embarked on a long haul adventure to South Africa, it was an experience that went far beyond sports. Their visit to Langa Township in Cape Town became the heart of their journey – a moment of profound impact and global responsibility. Read more…

Why Consider Short Haul?

Cost-Effective: For schools with budget constraints, short haul trips are more accessible. Cheaper flights, coach travel, and shorter stays make them more affordable without sacrificing value.

Cultural Experience Without the Jet Lag: Students still get the chance to explore a new country and culture. Visiting a European destination can also be a great way to inspire interest in foreign languages and history.

Easy Logistics: With less time spent travelling, you can often maximise time on the field and fit a tour into a school week or half-term. Plus, destinations are generally closer to emergency support if needed.

Great Training & Facilities: European sports resorts offer excellent facilities and are perfect for focused training, friendly matches, and team development in a new (but not too unfamiliar) setting.

So… Long Haul or Short Haul?

Here are a few questions to help you decide:

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re gazing at the rustic mountains of Canada or exploring the charming streets of an Italian village, both long haul and short haul sports tours offer unforgettable experiences that go way beyond sport.

At inspiresport, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your pupils – no matter the distance. We’ll work with you to plan a trip that fits your goals, budget, and schedule, and ensure that every detail is taken care of.

Ready to explore the world through sport?

Get in touch with us to start planning your next school tour – long or short haul, it’s all about inspiring your students to dream big and play even bigger.

INSPIRESPORT ANNOUNCE ACQUISITION OF TOUR TIME GROUP

 

Inspiresport Group has today announced the acquisition of the Tour Time Group including Tour Time New Zealand Ltd, Tour Time Australia Pty Ltd, Tour Time USA LLC, and Rugby Tours International Ltd (NZ, AUS, USA & Argentina).

 

This acquisition further enhances inspiresport’s expansion on an international basis following the creation of inspiresport LLC as its North American entity in November 2021.

 

Inspiresport are the industry-leading Sports Development Tour Operator, who have offered unrivalled access to world class professional clubs, coaches and facilities to take young players on extraordinary sporting journeys since 2004.

 

Steve Butchart, MD of inspiresport Group, said:

 

“Inspiresport has been reviewing opportunities for international expansion over a number of months and we’re delighted to confirm the news that the acquisition of the Tour Time Group is now complete. Our primary focus will be on the creation of outbound tours from New Zealand and Australia into the UK and Europe and generating increased demand for our Pro Club training experiences across football, rugby and hockey.

We are delighted to be able to confirm that Brent Imrie will remain as MD for Tour Time Group, but a special mention should be made to Ron and Beryl Imrie who founded and operated the company for more than 30 years. Their combined dedication, experience, market knowledge and contact network are what made the Tour Time Group the perfect business to accelerate our growth in New Zealand whilst also establishing us as a major player in the Australian market.

Whilst our focus will be on growing the youth sports development business, Tour Time Group will also continue to offer their full range of group tour options.”

 

 

Brent Imrie, MD of Tour Time Group said:

 

“As a family business of 30 years that was started by mum and dad, I am excited to announce the next step of our evolution as we become part of the Inspiresport family of companies. We certainly have exciting times ahead of us with global events happening down under in New Zealand, Australia and in the USA. With Inspiresport and the greater Destination Sport Group truly having a global presence, I look forward to delivering new products and partnerships to our markets whilst continuing to provide the great Tour Time service and family values that we are known for.”

PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW & PREDICTIONS 2023/24

The Premier League is finally back with the first round of enticing fixtures beginning this weekend! At inspiresport, we are proud to be partnered with some of the most successful clubs in the world, providing high quality training sessions at state-of-the-art facilities. With the Premier League kicking off this weekend, why not check out the tour experiences we have on offer and get prepared for another fantastic football season! Check out our preview and predictions below to get you in the mood for the 2023/24 season.

 

Arsenal

Manager – Mikel Arteta

2022/23 Finish – 2^nd

Key Signing – Declan Rice

After a disappointing end to a brilliant campaign last season the Gunners will be looking to go one better in 2023/24. With the signings of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber and the experience of a title race under their belt Arsenal are the clear favourites to challenge Manchester City’s dominance. However, an early injury to striker Gabriel Jesus could cause problems up front.

 

Aston Villa

Manager – Unai Emery

2022/23 Finish – 7^th

Key Signing – Moussa Diaby

The key question facing Villa is whether their league form will be hindered by their first involvement in European football for 13 years. They have made shrewd signings in Pau Torres and exciting Fench winger Moussa Diaby, and arguably have one of the best starting XIs outside the “Big Six”. Could Ollie Watkins fire them to a spectacular top six finish before being poached by one of the big boys in summer?

 

AFC Bournemouth

Manager – Andoni Iraola

2022/23 Finish – 15^th

Key Signing – Justin Kluivert

Bournemouth’s owners showed great ambition when replacing Gary O’Neil with Spanish coach Andoni Iraola and his “organised chaos” style of football. Looking to improve rather than survive they now have multiple young attacking options and could be a dark horse to do well this season if they can fix the defence that conceded the third most goals last season.

 

Brentford

Manager – Thomas Frank

2022/23 Finish – 9^th

Key Signing – Nathan Collins

Having lost Ivan Toney to a ban, Bryan Mbeumo will have to step up and provide the goals if Brentford want to push for the European spot they narrowly missed out on last season. But with an impressive defence led by the ever-solid Ben Mee the Bees will be hoping they can get off to a quick start and push on once the talismanic Toney returns in January.

 

Brighton & Hove Albion

Manager – Roberto De Zerbi

2022/23 Finish – 6^th

Key Signing – Joao Pedro

The surprise package of last season, Brighton’s impressive style of play stole the headlines but they have lost key players in Alex Mac Allister and the excellent Moisés Caicedo looks set for Chelsea. The addition of Joao Pedro and Mohammed Kudus to their plethora of young attacking options and the prospect of a season in the Europa League means the Seagulls can be extremely optimistic.

 

Burnley

Manager – Vincent Kompany

2022/23 Finish – 1^st (Championship)

Key Signing – James Trafford

Following on from one of the most successful Championship campaigns in recent history the Claret’s look set to keep their possession-based play in the Premier League. Kompany will be hoping this positive style of play can boost their chance of survival and Burnley fans are optimistic that attacking threat from wide players like Manuel Benson can give them the match winning moments needed to avoid the drop straight back down.

 

Chelsea

Manager – Mauricio Pochettino

2022/23 Finish – 12^th

Key Signing – Christopher Nkunku

The less said about last season the better for Chelsea fans as they finished with their lowest ever Premier League points tally. A summer clear out of multiple big names followed by the signings of Nicolas Jackson, Robert Sanchez and the prolific Christopher Nkunku leaves a cautious optimism in the air, with a young squad needing to live up to their high potential.

 

Crystal Palace

Manager – Roy Hodgson

2022/23 Finish – 11^th

Key Signing – Jefferson Lerma

A lack of a reliable striker and the loss of club legend Wilfried Zaha reduces the optimism of Palace fans who were treated to the brilliance of youngsters Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise in the second half of last season. If the youngsters can fire again under the oldest manager in the league, then a push for the top half of the table could be on for the Eagles.

 

Everton

Manager – Sean Dyche

2022/23 Finish – 17^th

Key Signing – Arnaut Danjuma

Once a side pushing for European places Everton have been in crisis for the last few seasons with financial woes and catastrophic leadership from the board leaving another relegation battle looking likely in their last season at Goodison Park. The signings of Ashley Young and Arnaut Danjuma demonstrate a step in the right direction but the management of Dyche might be the only thing that saves them from the drop.

 

Fulham

Manager – Marco Silva

2022/23 Finish – 10^th

Key Signing – Calvin Bassey

Fulham fans will be glad to see the end of a pre-season shrouded in confusion, with manager Marco Silva and key players Aleksandar Mitrovic and Willian all rumoured to leave at various point. If Mitrovic stays then he can provide the goals needed to push for a European spot, on top of a solid defensive core of Bernd Leno, Calvin Bassey and the ever-tackling Palhina.

 

Liverpool

Manager – Jürgen Klopp

2022/23 Finish – 5^th

Key Signing – Dominik Szoboszlai

The pain of missing out on Jude Bellingham has been softened by the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but with 5 midfield outgoings this summer Liverpool lack the midfield depth the fans have been pushing for. Goal-scoring machine Mo Salah and the revolutionised Trent Alexander Arnold in his inverted full back role provide hope for the Reds, but lack of squad depth suggests they’ll struggle to challenge for the title.

 

Luton Town

Manager – Rob Edwards

2022/23 Finish – 3^rd (Championship)

Key Signing – Tahith Chong

For Luton there is a sense of pure excitement heading into this season with fans focusing on enjoying their first ever season in the Premier League. They will hope to use their physicality and home form to secure the points needed to survive and prove the doubters wrong. The goals of Carlton Morris and defensive solidity of Marvelous Nakamba can help show that the Hatters are back where they belong.

 

Manchester City

Manager – Pep Guardiola

2022/23 Finish – 1^st

Key Signing – Josko Gvardiol

An unprecedented treble cemented Pep Guardiola’s City side as one of the best England has ever seen and they will be looking to become the first ever team to win four Premier League’s in a row. Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan have departed leaving a slight concern in midfield but the arrival of Croatian centre back Gvardiol adds even more defensive stability and leaves City as favourites for the title yet again.

Last season saw valuable minutes given to five City Academy graduates, showcasing the importance of the youth development programme at Manchester City. Your groups can experience life like an academy player, being trained by City Football Schools coaches in the elite setup at The City Football Academy – click here to find out more!

 

Manchester United

Manager – Erik ten Hag

2022/23 Finish – 3^rd

Key Signing – Rasmus Hojlund

After three top-3 finishes in four years United fans will be hoping this is the year they can finally mount a proper title charge. In young Rasmus Hojlund they may have the 20 goal a season striker they have been crying out for to compliment the creativity of Bruno Fernandes. The signing of ball playing goalkeeper Andre Onana will certainly help and if Raphael Varane can keep fit, they may have the defence required to go the whole way.

 

Newcastle United

Manager – Eddie Howe

2022/23 Finish – 4^th

Key Signing – Sandro Tonali

With teams around them strengthening and the added Champions League fixtures Newcastle may struggle to improve on their impressive 4^th placed finish of last season. They have made smart signings in Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes and the squad seems to have an elite mentality that can push them to a European knockout stage, but squad depth will be tested and it remains to be seen if they can succeed in the league as well as Europe.

Check out our Newcastle United Matchday Experience here

 

Nottingham Forest

Manager – Steve Cooper

2022/23 Finish – 16^th

Key Signing – Anthony Elanga

The end of season form of Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi will surely be required again to help Forest avoid another relegation battle this year. Poor pre-season results alongside goalkeeper uncertainty and lack of midfield grit leaves fans with fears over survival but Steve Cooper has done the job before and the rousing City Ground can generate valuable wins.

 

Sheffield United

Manager – Paul Heckingbottom

2022/23 Finish – 2^nd (Championship)

Key Signing – Auston Trusty

Before the sale of Iliman Ndiaye Blades fans would have been optimistic but the loss of the young Senegalese striker leaves them lacking any proven goal scorer, especially with the injuries to Oli McBurnie and Rhian Brewster. A seemingly solid defence and talented midfielder Sander Berge can offer some respite but it looks like an extremely tough job for manager Paul Heckingbottom.

 

Tottenham Hotspur

Manager – Ange Postecoglou

2022/23 Finish – 8^th

Key Signing – James Maddison

Amid the constant rumours of club legend Harry Kane leaving for Bayern Munich, Spurs have made shrewd attacking signings in Maddison and Manor Solomon as well as shoring up the defence with ‘keeper Guglielmo Vicario and promising young centre back Micky van de Ven. If Kane stays and Postecoglou can implement his new style of play quickly then Tottenham could very easily challenge for the top 4. Without Kane it could be a completely different story.

 

West Ham United

Manager – David Moyes

2022/23 Finish – 14^th

Key Signing – James Ward-Prowse

A first trophy in 43 years overshadowed a poor league finish, and the sale of captain Declan Rice will be a huge loss for the Hammers. With more European football the small squad may struggle but the creativity and threat of Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta should help to easily avoid a relegation battle. Late signings of James Ward-Prowse and Harry Maguire have boosted the squad but the departure of Gianluca Scammaca creates a lack of options up top.

 

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manager – Gary O’Neil

2022/23 Finish – 13^th

Key Signing – Boubacar Traore

Neves, Moutinho, Jimenez, Traore… It’s a long list of departures for Wolves and the owners haven’t invested this profit back into the club either. Former manager Julen Lopetegui has also left just a week before the season starts suggesting trouble is looming. There is young attacking talent in Neto, Nunes and Cunha but none of these have fully lived up to potential and a relegation battle looks likely unless late investment is made.

Take part in our Wolves Experience here

INSPIRESPORT PREDICTIONS!

 

	Top 4	Bottom 3
Dan Kirkham, Tour Coordinator	1. Man City 2. Man United 3. Liverpool 4. Arsenal	18. Sheffield United 19. Wolves 20. Luton
Rohan Haworth, Marketing Executive	1. Man City 2. Arsenal 3. Man United 4. Chelsea	18. Wolves 19. Sheffield United 20. Luton
Jonathan Young, Sales Director	1. Man City 2. Arsenal 3. Man United 4. Liverpool	18. Wolves 19. Sheffield United 20. Luton
Freya Martin, Mainline Admin Support	1. Arsenal 2. Man City 3. Newcastle 4. Liverpool	18. Nottingham Forest 19. Sheffield United 20. Wolves
Luke Pierce, Regional Sales Manager	1. Man City 2. Arsenal 3. Man United 4. Newcastle	18. Luton 19. Bournemouth 20. Nottingham Forest
Billy Coleman, Tour Coordinator	1. Man City 2. Liverpool 3. Arsenal 4. Man United	18. Wolves 19. Sheffield United 20. Luton
Angus Wright, Marketing Executive	1. Arsenal 2. Man City 3. Man United 4. Aston Villa	18. Luton 19. Wolves 20. Tottenham Hotspur

Nicky Unsworth, Head of Marketing	1. Man City 2. Man United 3. Arsenal 4. Liverpool	18. Everton 19. Fulham 20. Luton
Phil Edwards, Head of International Strategy & Development	1. Man City 2. Man United 3. Arsenal 4. Liverpool	18. Sheffield United 19. Nottingham Forest 20. Luton
Luke Forbes, Tour Coordinator	1. Man City 2. Arsenal 3. Man United 4. Liverpool	18. Wolves 19. Sheffield United 20. Luton
Courtney Bushell, Senior Marketing Executive	1. Man City 2. Man United 3. Arsenal 4. Liverpool	18. Wolves 19. Sheffield United 20. Luton
James Babb, Deputy Head of Ski	1. Arsenal 2. Man City 3. Man United 4. Liverpool	18. Bournemouth 19. Everton 20. Luton
Neil Rayer, Head of Sales, Project Management	1. Arsenal 2. Man City 3. Man United 4. Newcastle	18. Sheffield United 19. Bournemouth 20. Luton

 

Admin’s Predicted Table:

1. Manchester City
2. Arsenal
3. Manchester United
4. Chelsea
5. Tottenham Hotspur
6. Liverpool
7. Newcastle United
8. Aston Villa
9. Brighton & Hove Albion
10. Crystal Palace
11. Brentford
12. Fulham
13. West Ham
14. Burnley
15. Bournemouth
16. Everton
17. Nottingham Forest
18. Wolverhampton Wanderers
19. Luton
20. Sheffield United

 

Golden Boot Winner – Erling Haaland

Player of the Year – Harry Kane

Young Player of the Year – Bukayo Saka

The Benefits of Long-Distance Sports Tours: Why You Should Consider Going the Extra Mile

 

At inspiresport we offer a huge range of spectacular long-distance sports tours to exciting locations around the world. We believe that sports tours are a fantastic opportunity for athletes to grow both on and off the field, and our long-haul tours offer unique cultural benefits that simply cannot be found elsewhere. From cricket in India to hockey in Malaysia, netball in Australia and rugby in Argentina our tours offer a range of cultural experiences that will broaden your team’s horizons.

 

A key benefit of our long-haul tours is the cultural exchange that takes place. By traveling to a foreign country, you are exposed to new cultures, customs, and traditions. This exposure can be invaluable in helping athletes develop empathy, understanding, and respect for others. It can also help build teamwork and communication skills as players navigate unfamiliar environments together.

 

Although some of these locations may not have the world-class facilities of locations such as America, the facilities are unique and still meet our high standards while also providing amazing cultural benefits. Our tours are designed to give athletes a truly authentic experience of the countries they visit. This means staying in local accommodations, eating local cuisine, and playing in stunning locations. In addition to cultural benefits, long-distance sports tours also offer opportunities for athletes to engage in charitable work. Many of our tours include opportunities for teams to work with local organizations and give back to the communities they visit. This not only provides a meaningful experience for athletes but also helps to make a positive impact on such areas.

 

Here are some examples of the incredible tours you can go on:

 

Rugby in South Africa:

The Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup three times, making rugby one of the biggest sports in the country. South Africa offers an excellent sporting environment with a perfect mix of superb facilities and impressive local teams to test yourself against. On top of this, a tour to the Rainbow Nation can offer the chance to take in the breath-taking views from Tabletop mountain, experience the thrill of a safari tour, and take in some world class sports fixtures.

 

Hockey in Malaysia:

Having recently hosted the Hockey World Cup, sport has become a key part of Malaysian culture in recent years. Alongside the newfound enthusiasm for sports like hockey, Malaysia offers scenery and excursions like no other. Whether you want to explore the bustling Kuala Lumpur with its mix of spectacular shopping centres and unique markets, relax on the stunning beaches, or visit an Elephant sanctuary, there are countless excursions available for your time off the pitch.

 

Cricket in Sri Lanka:

Known for their exceptional hospitality and warm welcomes Sri Lankans have a huge love for cricket and who wouldn’t with their pitches surrounded by palm trees and beaches. This passion is best viewed at one of their T20 matches – exceptional cricket with a party like atmosphere. The country is full of beautiful scenery, fascinating traditions, and amazing people. Alongside this there is the fantastic opportunity to give back to communities with our charity projects, helping areas on the island that have suffered from natural disasters such as tsunamis.

 

Netball in Australia:

Australia is one of the best sporting nations in the world, and their netball teams are a prime example of this, having won 3 of the last 4 World Cups. You’ll be sure to train in fantastic facilities and play competitive fixtures that will help your teams’ development. As well as their sporting excellence, the excursions available are incredible. Your tour can include surfing lessons, theme parks, beach visits, zoo trips, whale watching and more.

 

Here at inspiresport, we offer support all the way through your booking process. When you get in touch, we will answer any questions, help you figure out which destination is perfect for you and hold a presentation with key information. Once you have booked, we ensure on arrival that you will have a bi-lingual tour director who can help with any problems at any time. This means you can rely on us to deliver an outstanding tour that runs smoothly and creates unbelievable memories.

 

Here are some thoughts from those who have been on Inspire tours:

 

Claire Knowland – Head of PE at Our Lady’s Convent School:

“Once again inspiresport have run an absolutely amazing tailor-made bespoke tour for our girls. They have experienced a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that they will never forget.” – On a Netball Tour to Dubai.

Steve Vanstone, Holsworthy Community College:

“It is a trip of a lifetime for the pupils, as they look forward to the trip, behaviour and effort improves in school, on the trip they take responsibility, and when they come back pupils have new confidence. Football and netball teams have become stronger as a result of very good coaching, team bonding, and maturity of pupils.”

 

We offer tours to multiple long-haul destinations, with many available for multiple sports, so check out the list here to begin planning your next inspire sport tour.

DESTINATION SPORT GROUP ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH MARYLEBONE CRICKET CLUB (MCC)

 

Destination Sport Group are pleased to announce a multi-year partnership with Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to support the Club with all aspects of travel.

 

As part of the relationship, Destination Sport Travel – the UK’s leading team and business travel solution for elite sports organisations – will manage travel for MCC’s touring teams and deliver all their corporate travel requirements.

 

MCC will undertake several tours throughout 2023 and beyond including most recently to Belize and Austria, as well as upcoming tours to Germany, Greece and Kenya as part of its mission to develop cricket abroad.

 

Additionally, Destination Sport Group’s specialist youth development tour division, inspiresport, will provide opportunities for schools and groups to train at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Touring teams will benefit from specialised coaching, plus the opportunity to train at unrivalled facilities including the Indoor Cricket Centre.

 

As part of a comprehensive partnership, specialist sports fan travel brand Sportsbreaks.com will also deliver tailored travel packages for MCC Members, enabling them to follow England’s touring teams plus experience a variety of other unforgettable sports travel experiences.

 

Paul Hemmingway, Destination Sport Group’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to commence a long-term relationship with MCC.

“The partnership evidences the type of all-encompassing partnership that Destination Sport Group can provide, utilising the specialised skillsets of Destination Sport Travel, inspiresport and Sportsbreaks.com.

“The partnership also complements our growing presence in cricket which includes relationships with Cricket Scotland, Lancashire Cricket, Kia Oval and R66t Academy.

“We’re looking forward to getting the relationship underway and supporting MCC in what promises to be an exciting year of cricket both in the UK and globally.”

 

Andy Muggleton, Commercial Director at MCC, said: “The partnership with Destination Sport Group is hugely exciting and will provide benefits to the Club at many levels.

“Alongside the specialist travel support provided to our touring teams, we look forward to welcoming schools and groups to the Ground, and we are equally delighted that our Members shall benefit from the tailored travel packages so they can play and enjoy watching MCC sides around the UK and elsewhere.”

SCOTTISH YOUTH FA CUP FINALS 2023

 

The inspiresport Scottish Youth FA Cup Finals 2023 took place on the 7^th and 14^th May at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie, with 12 teams across 6 age groups, battling it out to win this prestigious cup for their respective age category. The competition began back in September, when over 1700 clubs from every corner of Scotland entered the first round – looking to progress towards the finals.

Fast forward to Sunday 7^th May 2023, when the 2009 age group final between Musselburgh Windsor & Gairdoch United would kick-off and be the first of six finals over the course of the two weekends. The opening game did not disappoint, in the five-goal thriller, the game had to be settled in extra time.  Musselburgh Windsor would lift the trophy however, winning the game 3-2 against their hardworking opponents. The finals for the 2005 and 2008 age categories would follow in the afternoon, as Clydebank would run out 2-0 winners against Hillwood, and Edinburgh City had too much for Musselburgh Windsor in a 4-1 victory.

The following Sunday, the last three finals would take place to round off another successful cup competition by the Scottish Youth Football Association. Hillwood would take on Clydebank in the 2007 final to open the day, with Clydebank securing another 2-0 victory for the club, making them winners in two different age groups. The youngest age category was up next, as Westdyke faced Airdrie Pumas in the 2010 final. Airdrie went 1-0 up in the first half, however, Westdyke fought back in the second half to win 2-1 and lifted the cup. The 2006 matchup between Blackburn United and Thorn Athletic was the last final to be played to conclude a memorable weekend. The first half saw no goals from either side, with the game coming to life in the second half which saw 5 goals. Thorn Athletic were victorious 4-1, as half-time substitute Brandon Forbes stole the show, scoring a sensational second-half hat-trick.

Jed McCabe, Head of Sales Scotland, at inspiresport, shared his thoughts on the competition:

“It has been a real pleasure to be involved with the inspiresport Scottish Youth FA Scottish Cup for the last 8 years. It is such a prestigious competition where the build up starts with the live draws from Hampden Park via social media and the excitement starts very early for everyone involved as the road to Airdrie begins.
I would like to congratulate this years winners as it is a huge achievement to win a national trophy.
Huge credit also to all teams, coaches, SYFA staff and supporters who played their part in making it a huge success. I am looking forward to next season already”.

Scottish Youth FA Cup Finals 2023

2005: Clydebank 2-0 Hillwood

2006: Blackburn United 1-4 Thorn Athletic

2007: Hillwood 0-2 Clydebank

2008: Edinburgh City 4-1 Musselburgh Windsor

2009: Musselburgh Windsor 3-2 Gairdoch United

2010: Westdyke 2-1 Airdrie Pumas

FUTBOL SALOU – THORN ATHLETIC

 

Thorn Athletic 2006 travelled with inspiresport on a development tour back in October to Futbol Salou in Spain, where a lot of the groundwork for their cup triumph was laid. The itinerary included training sessions by professional coaches, matches against local Spanish opposition at the world-class Futbol Salou Sports Center, and also a stadium tour of FC Barcelona’s iconic Camp Nou.

Thorn Athletic manager Steven McKnight described the experience as something the boys will never forget, and said the following:

“The opportunity to travel to one of the top football facilities in Europe and enjoy training and matches in a different climate against teams who play different styles and come from different cultures was a great experience.

It was a huge learning curve for them and they worked extremely hard for the five days. In their downtime they were able to enjoy some relaxation, use the pool and engage with other teams from across Europe who were also staying there.

We had scheduled some difficult matches but we were delighted with the way the team played and handled the conditions. The boys made a lot of memories and loved it from start to finish.”

The Success of inspirefest 2023 – Festivals to Inspire the Next Generation

 

What an absolute delight it is to share with you the incredible success of inspirefest Spain 2023! This past April, we launched an event that was truly a whirlwind of excitement and enthusiasm. Over 600 students from 43 teams from the UK came together to participate in a multisport event that spanned across the beautiful Costa del Sol.

 

We’re absolutely thrilled with the outcome of inspirefest Spain. Our mission was to create an inclusive event that would bring young people from all over the UK together, with the vision of fostering unity, friendship, and sportsmanship among all participants and spectators. And let us tell you, we succeeded beyond our wildest dreams! Not only was the competition fierce and exciting, but there was also plenty of entertainment to be had at the Holiday Polynesia Benalmádena resort. From a thrilling game of mini golf to soaring down the water park slide to dancing the night away at the disco, there was something for everyone.

 

Day 1 of our multisport festival started off with a blast. The breakfast buffet was a real feast for the eyes. The variety of food options was impressive, and everyone was eager to start the day. After breakfast, the groups then departed from the hotel to start their day with some rigorous training in the morning. It was amazing to see the dedication and hard work put in by all the players. The coaches did a fantastic job of keeping the energy levels high and the students motivated.

 

Once training was completed, the participants had a well-deserved break and headed to the pool for some fun in the sun. The pool was the perfect place to relax and unwind after a strenuous morning, and everyone had a great time splashing around and enjoying the beautiful weather. To end the day on a high note, the participants had some fantastic friendly fixtures. The atmosphere was electric, and everyone was excited to show off their skills. The games were intense, but the participants played with great sportsmanship and had a lot of fun, you could truly see how these games were bringing out the best in everyone.

 

Day 2 was just as exciting as Day 1. The groups were well-rested and fuelled up from the delicious breakfast buffet, ready to tackle another day of training. The energy was high, and everyone was eager to learn. Once again, the coaches put on some fantastic sessions, really focusing on developing the groups skills ready for the big tournament on the following day. After another intense training session, the groups were more than ready to recharge with a fantastic lunch. The spread was impressive, with a variety of dishes that catered to everyone’s taste.

 

During their break, the groups also had time to explore the hotel’s wonderful facilities. The mini golf course was a hit, with everyone challenging each other to get a hole-in-one. Other groups could be found in the fantastic on-site arcade, or the incredible bowling alley. This truly was a fantastic afternoon. The hotel’s amenities were top-notch, and the staff were all friendly and accommodating for the groups at inspirefest. Once everyone had regained their energy, they were then ready for their last friendly fixtures of the festival. The matches were superb, and the local teams were incredibly welcoming. One team even went out of their way to give a UK school a gift, which did not go unnoticed. It was clear to see the respect and appreciation from everyone involved. Overall, the local teams were fantastic hosts, and it was a great opportunity for the groups to learn more about the Spanish culture and make new friends.

 

Day 3 finally arrived, which meant it was tournament day! All the groups were eagerly waiting for this day, and they were all set to showcase their skills and compete against each other. The excitement in the air that day was palpable, and everyone was pumped and ready to go.

 

The tournament was nothing short of a spectacle. Each group across both netball and football played their hearts out, using all the skills they had learned throughout the past few days. It was amazing seeing how much they had improved and how well they were able to execute their strategies. It truly was an exceptional event, with all the groups coming together at the ceremony for their awards. It was a day filled with fun, laughter, and great memories.

 

The disco on the final night was a perfect way to bring inspirefest to a close, and a great place to celebrate everyone’s success on either the court or field. The dancefloor was packed, and we saw some fantastic dance battles. It was clear that everyone was having a great time and enjoying themselves.

 

inspirefest Spain was truly an unforgettable experience for everyone and we couldn’t be more pleased with how everything turned out and we are thankful for the inspiresport reps, the party leaders and everyone else’s hard work to make this event possible. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

BEYOND THE FIELD – CELEBRATING THE SUCCESSES OF WOMEN AND SPORTS ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

 

As a company that sends tours across the globe in a variety of sports, we are proud to celebrate International Women’s Day and recognize the achievements of women athletes around the world as well as the increasingly positive impact of sport on women’s empowerment and gender equality.

 

In recent years, women’s role in sports has come a long way, with more and more women breaking barriers and making their mark on the sporting world. Superstars such as Simone Biles, Emma Raducanu and Leah Williamson are household names and are discussed alongside the elite men’s players. However, it’s not just on the field of play where women are having increased influence. Off the pitch, an increasing number of women are speaking out about issues within sport, not only inspiring young girls to join in but providing voices and opportunities to speak up.

 

International Women’s Day states its mission as “To celebrate women athletes and applaud when equality is achieved in pay, sponsorship and visibility”. Alongside this year’s theme of #EmbraceEquity, this shows the commitment to making the sporting world a fair and equal place for all. Visibility and participation in women’s sports have risen thanks to the efforts of movements like International Women’s Day, yet there is still a continuing effort to #BreakTheBias. Deloitte has predicted that women’s sports will grow by over a billion dollars in the coming years as the revenue gap is reduced. However, coverage of women’s sports is still underrepresented, with women’s tennis grand slam events receiving 41% less coverage than men’s, showing that work is still to be done.

 

Yet in the last decade, clear advancements have been made as the call for equal representation and an end to discrimination has grown stronger. In 2020, the Olympics created a mixed triathlon relay, whilst in England, the successful cricket tournament the Hundred has given equal support to women’s and men’s teams, as well as having equal prize money. The issue of mental health has risen in recent years with stars such as Emma Raducanu and Simone Biles advocating the importance of protecting the mental health of female sports stars.

 

PROFILE – SIMONE BILES

 

One woman who has been celebrated in recent years and deserves to be recognised on International Women’s Day is record-breaking American gymnast Simone Biles. She won her first World Championship title at just 16 and is now the most decorated gymnast in World Championship history with 25 medals as well 7 Olympic medals. Not only is Biles an inspiration to young female athletes when she participates, but off the floor, she raises awareness about key issues. She uses her social media standing to discuss social injustices as well as bravely speaking about a personal issue that is at the heart of gender issues in sports. As part of the #metoo movement, she came forward to discuss sexual assault and her experience of this within the US team. Thanks to her courage, awareness was raised massively, and physician Larry Nassar was found guilty. She is also sponsored by Athleta, a women’s sportswear brand, which offers funding and programmes to women to improve their lives through sport. At such a young age, Biles is an inspiration to all, helping promote women’s participation in sports, gender inequality within the sport and other social injustices.

 

Part of the movement towards an equal field across sports is ensuring sponsorships in women’s sports are increased. Sponsorships help show an investment into equality within sports as well as promoting equal visibility which in turn helps female participation. New sponsorship deals have risen in recent years, with Adidas’ sponsorship of players on the winning team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 gaining particular attention thanks to their positive move of ensuring female players received the same payments as male players. In another big move for football, the Women’s Super League partnered with Barclays in a huge investment into the women’s game.

 

PROFILE – ALEX SCOTT 

 

A further role model to young sportswomen is retired English footballer, Alex Scott. Scott has become the face of women’s football across the media in recent years but started her career as a player for Arsenal winning the quadruple in the 2006/2007 season and achieving a phenomenal 140 caps for England. Off the pitch Scott openly addresses mental health issues, discussing her therapy after receiving abuse online following her participation in Strictly Come Dancing. She helped make the breakthrough for female punditry and presenting on TV, inspiring many women to pursue their dreams in journalism as she has helped break down the idea that football is a male-dominated sport both on and off the pitch.  

 

Arguably the biggest success story of women’s sport in recent years has been the Lionesses’ victory in the women’s 2022 Euros. The tournament was a roaring success, on and off the pitch, with the female sporting talent on show being broadcast around the world providing huge inspiration to young girls and women everywhere. This success, in what has been a male dominant sport, is a key step forward in the aim to get more women playing sports across the UK. We must move forward with this progress, even after success, and ensure that the backing of women’s sports is not solely dependent on victories on the world stage.

 

At Inspire we believe women’s sports should be given the same level of respect and support as men’s sports. By offering tours and experiences that showcase women’s sports, we hope to inspire more women and girls to pursue their athletic dreams and break down any gender barriers in the sporting world. Women’s sports have come a long way in recent years, yet there is still work to be done to achieve gender equality in sports. By advocating for equal opportunities and recognition we can create a more inclusive future for all athletes.

 

INSPIRESPORT ANNOUNCED AS PRESENTING PARTNER OF THE RUGBY FOOTBALL LEAGUE’S CHAMPION SCHOOLS COMPETITION

 

inspiresport are proud to become presenting partner of The Rugby Football League’s Champion Schools competition.

The inspiresport Champion Schools tournament is The RFL’s flagship schools’ competition, played by thousands of schoolchildren across England, Wales and Scotland each year.

inspiresport is the UK’s leading youth sports development tour operator for schools, clubs and groups. Endorsed by leading school and sport governing bodies, inspiresport offers tailor-made tours to suit every skill level and create life-long memories for players.

 

inspiresport managing director Steve Butchart commented,

“We’re delighted to become presenting partner of the inspiresport Champion Schools tournament.

“The tournament will provide us with the opportunity to engage with schools from around the country and make them aware of our best-in-class offering across a variety of sports and ski trips, all whilst supporting this fantastic competition.”

 

Bobby Bahadori, Rugby League Commercial’s Head of Partnerships, said:

“The sport of Rugby League is rightly proud of our Champion Schools competition, and we are thrilled to welcome inspiresport as new partners.

“It has been the launchpad for so many outstanding Rugby League players going back several decades, and the introduction of girls’ tournaments in the last decade has added hugely to its appeal.

“With one Final at Wembley, and another as part of Magic Weekend in Newcastle, the Champion Schools will provide a fantastic platform both for our partners and our future stars.”

 

The final of the Year 7 boy’s competition will once again be played at Wembley Stadium in August 2023, as part of a showpiece event including the Men’s and Women’s Challenge Cup Finals. The final of the Year 10 Girls’ competition will be played at St James’s Park in Newcastle in June, as part of Super League’s Magic Weekend.

For more information on inspiresport’s youth sport development tours please click HERE.