It was a brief visit but so much fun was had by all when pupils and staff from Sheffield Park Academy travelled to 
Bournemouth Collegiate School to enjoy 24 hours of football, boarding and new experiences.
The two schools enjoy being part of United Learning – a group of 30 academies and independent schools in the UK.
The United Learning group seeks to share best practice with all of the schools within the group and the visit south by Sheffield Park Academy was part of the many shared pupils experiences that the group promotes.
On arriving at BCS Sheffield Park Academy pupils enjoyed a training session with BCS Arsenal Football Coaches who put the boys through their paces with training, football drills and a conditioning session.
The Sheffield pupils, who were staying in BCS boarding quarters, were shown to their rooms and then had dinner with the BCS boarders before walking the short distance to the sandy Southbourne beaches. The boys weren’t slow to take off their socks and shoes and enjoy a paddle in the sea.
BCS boarders and the Sheffield pupils enjoyed beach football and volleyball before heading back to the school for a game of basketball in the school hall and then finally to bed!
13 year old Koloman Kandrac said, “I’ve never been to the seaside before. It was so good, the water was cold but we loved it. The beach was really pretty.”
13 year old Patrick Collins said, “This was my first time in Bournemouth. I wouldn’t mind going to a boarding school but it would have to be nearer my home!”
The following morning BCS organised the inaugural United Learning Football Tournament and were joined by Hampshire Collegiate School pupils.
The competition was intense but all teams were in good spirits. Bournemouth Collegiate School footballers came out on top to win the trophy. Sheffield put in a strong performance and came second with Hampshire Collegiate School in third place.
Richard Harrison- Poole, Director of School and Academy sport at BCS said, “The last 2 days have been a whirlwind of activity. It was great to see the level of enthusiasm shown by all the footballers in the tournament today.”
BCS Principal, Stephen Duckitt added, “It was wonderful to welcome Sheffield Park Academy staff and pupils. The boys have been fantastic ambassadors for their school. We are hoping that this might be the first of many exchanges with our sister school.”
Chris Motley, Head of Lower School at Sheffield Park Academy summed up the visit by saying, “It’s been brilliant. Some boys have said that it’s their best school trip ever! It’s been all about new experiences for them. We’re looking forward to welcoming BCS pupils to Sheffield in the near future.”