Matt – Cricket Coaching in Saint Lucia

Gap Year Cricket Coaching in Saint Lucia: Matt’s 10-Week United Through Sport Experience

Taking a gap year is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable experience, travel somewhere new and do something that sets you apart. For Matt, that meant spending 10 weeks in Saint Lucia on a United Through Sport cricket coaching placement, combining his passion for cricket with an unforgettable Caribbean experience.

Why a Cricket Coaching Placement?

Matt wanted to use his gap year to build experience while continuing to pursue the sport he loves.

“I wanted to improve my CV while on my gap year while still doing something I loved somewhere new and different to what many other people do – UTS offered that in St Lucia.”

His first impressions of the island immediately confirmed he’d made the right decision.

“St Lucia, 10 weeks, first impressions are that everyone is very welcoming and happy to see you. The country is beautiful and has lots to do.”

Coaching Cricket in Saint Lucia

During his placement, Matt worked with players across every level of the game, giving him experience coaching a wide variety of ages and abilities.

“I coached cricket to a complete range; from primary education to international players at the HPC (High Performance Centre), alongside working with strong club sides. All athletes were very keen to learn or take into account any knowledge I could share with them. All were very sociable both during coaching sessions but also on days off and night out.”

No two days were the same, with coaching sessions taking place across schools, clubs and the High Performance Centre.

Matt described a typical day as:

“Typical day was either HPC or primary education in the morning followed by a long lunch break and then coaching at the local club for a few hours. Wake at 8 have breakfast, go to 1st session, get the bus back at 11, make lunch, head to the beach or chill before afternoon session. Then gym, head home to cook dinner and then socialise with others.”

Pushing Beyond His Comfort Zone

One of the biggest learning experiences for Matt came from coaching elite players.

“I challenged myself by coaching elite level players, many of who were better than myself but I was still finding ways to improve their technique in different areas and provide a different way of thinking in both training and in game.”

The experience also changed his perspective on working with high-performance athletes.

“I learned that many of the players – even the best ones – are always willing to learn and how keen they were to interact and learn from us as coaches was a nice surprise.”

Working alongside local coaches and experienced players helped Matt develop confidence, adaptability and communication skills that will continue to benefit him throughout his coaching career.

Life Beyond Cricket

Away from coaching, there was plenty of time to enjoy everything Saint Lucia has to offer.

Matt’s favourite memories included:

“I made lasting friendships with other volunteers and locals – some of whom are now coming to the UK to play cricket overseas.”

He also reflected on some of the highlights of living on the island.

“Favourite experiences would be the boat party, hiking the pitons and the continuous night life. Also watching the team you coached and trained with then play amazingly – scoring 370 odd of 20 overs.”

Alongside the organised activities, it was often the everyday moments that stood out the most.

“Also in the day to day side social aspect of living with lots of others, going to the beach with them, going in nights out, ect.”

Advice for Future Volunteers

When asked what advice he would give to future volunteers, Matt encouraged people to embrace every opportunity available.

“Any advise I could give would be to come prepared to try everything that comes your way, whether that be in coaching different teams, trying a new sport, going out, travelling around the island and it’s grub.”

Looking back on his 10 weeks in Saint Lucia, Matt knows exactly what he’ll miss the most.

“Will miss the endless opportunities I had there, whether that be socialising with other volunteers or opportunities to coach different people of all kinds of abilities (and sometimes different sports as well).”

Could This Be Your Story?

Whether you’re taking a gap year, studying sport at college or university, or simply looking to gain practical coaching experience overseas, a United Through Sport coaching placement offers the chance to develop your coaching skills, immerse yourself in a new culture and create lifelong memories while making a positive impact through sport.