Bower Park enjoyed a tour to South Africa before half-term

Football squad enjoy

South African adventure

Bower Park Academy returned to normality this week after a memorable trip to South Africa.

A group of 12 sports students and two members of staff headed out to Cape Town, South Africa before the half-term holidays to link up with pupils and staff from Manenburg High School.

They enjoyed a trip to Robben Island, visiting the prison when Nelson Mandela was held, and had trips to Chapmans Peak and the Cape of Good Hope.

Pupils and staff also spent five days working alongside their counterparts in Manenburg High School, attending lessons and sharing their expectations, life stories and hopes for the future as well as harvesting a food garden, cooking soups using the home grown food and playing two football matches.

Later in the week Bower Park students visited a primary school in Guguletu where they lead a football training session, teaching the youngsters many new skills and providing them with a new football kit, footballs and other training equipment.

“The week was an incredible experience for all involved from both schools and we have made friends for life,” said head of PE Ashley Brien.

“Our students returned more rounded educated people and left the South African students with life time memories. We are now looking forward to planning our next visit.”