Africa, Caribbean Islands | Saint Lucia | Internships & Work Experience, Sports Tours, Volunteer Sports Coaching | Football, Netball, Swimming

Student Placement in Saint Lucia: Jacob’s Inspiring Story

Jacob, a Level 3 Sport Year 1 student at Wiltshire College, spent three weeks in Saint Lucia on a student sport placement that gave him the chance to grow as a coach, experience a new culture, and pick up skills that will stick with him for the future.

Read below, Jacob’s reflection of his trip…

Why I Applied for a Sport Placement in Saint Lucia

I applied for the Saint Lucia coaching placement because I had just started my coaching career at college, and I saw this as a unique opportunity to do what I love in a new country. I thought it would be amazing to put the stuff I’ve been learning at college into practice and adapt my coaching style to a totally different environment. Another reason I applied was that I wanted to make an impact on the kids’ sports journeys, teaching them the basics of football and giving them skills that will help them in the future. It was also a great way to build my confidence and leadership skills, which it definitely did!

The Work Placement Experience

While I was in Saint Lucia, my tasks changed pretty often, which made it a really varied experience. One of the main placement activities I did was coaching preschool sports sessions. These were brilliant fun! The sessions had different themes—like jungle, space, and underwater—and I really enjoyed connecting with the kids on a 1-to-1 level. A lot of these kids didn’t have sports on their curriculum, so it was a great opportunity to introduce them to basic sports movements like running, jumping, and learning how to fall and get straight back up.

One of the highlights of the placement was taking the preschool kids to the sea every Wednesday morning. I was one of only three people who actually went in the sea with them, helping them get used to the water. We showed them how to kick their legs and try swimming, and we made it fun with stories about things found in the sea, which the kids loved. It was really rewarding to share the skills I’ve learned in swimming and help teach the next generation.

Aside from the preschool sessions, I also helped with football academy sessions. We worked on everything from passing and shooting to goalkeeping. It was great because we got to jump in and show the kids how to do the techniques properly. The majority of us have been playing football for years, so we knew the right way to do things, and it was really rewarding to teach those skills to the kids.

Biggest Learning Experience and Achievement

My biggest learning experience came from realising how coaching in Saint Lucia was done differently from what I was used to back home. The coaches there had their own way of teaching the kids, and at first, it was confusing. But after a few sessions, I got the hang of it and was able to adapt to their style. This was a massive lesson in being flexible as a coach and realising that there’s no one-size-fits-all way to teach.

My biggest achievement was leading a small group of kids, aged 7-9, in a football drill. They had a bit of knowledge of the game, but when I started a 4v1 session focused on passing and moving, it didn’t go quite as planned. The kids weren’t moving after passing the ball, and the whole drill was falling apart. So, I paused the game, explained what was wrong, and broke the task down step-by-step. After going through it, the kids got it, and it was really rewarding to see the improvement in their understanding of the game.

How the Student Sport Placement Will Help Me Professionally

This placement has definitely helped me with my future career as I want to become a football coach at grassroots level. It gave me great insight into how grassroots football is done in Saint Lucia, and I absolutely loved it. The experience has made me more determined to pursue my FA coaching badges and eventually become a full-time sports coach. I want to continue passing on the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in football and help the next generation of players become the best they can be.

What I Loved About Saint Lucia

There were so many things I loved about Saint Lucia, but a few stand out. First, the culture is so different to what I’m used to back home. People were super friendly and would always say “hi” when you passed them. The locals were so welcoming, and it made me feel at home straight away. Another thing I loved was the beaches. After coaching sessions, I’d head down to the beach to watch the sunset, which was something I’ll never forget. The views from the sea were incredible, and it felt amazing to be in such a beautiful place.

The excursions were also top-notch. We had the chance to kayak through the mangroves, visit the Dennery Waterfall, and my personal favourite—zip-lining through the rainforest. I’m not the biggest fan of heights, so I was nervous at first, but it turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done. The views, the sounds of the forest, and seeing all the wildlife were all amazing. Even if some of the animals looked a bit scary!

What’s Next for Me

After this trip, I’m even more sure of what I want to do in the future: I want to be a football coach at grassroots level. I’m planning on taking my FA coaching badges and working towards becoming a fully qualified coach. If you love coaching and want to explore new countries, this placement is definitely for you. It’s an amazing experience that will help you grow as a coach and a person, plus it’ll give you a clearer idea of where you want to go in your sports career.

"If you’re thinking about going on this trip, my advice is simple: do it! If you love coaching and want to see a new part of the world, this is the opportunity for you. It’s a chance to work with kids, develop your coaching skills, and have some unforgettable adventures in an amazing place. Even if you’re still figuring out what you want to do in the sports industry, this trip will help you gain clarity and experience."

Explore Other Coaching Programs

If you’re interested in a sports placement abroad, United Through Sport offers a variety of coaching programmes tailored to you. Whether you’re passionate about football, boxing, or netball, there’s something for every volunteer to dive into. Each programme provides an opportunity to work with local athletes, develop your coaching skills, and experience life in an exciting new environment.

Whatever your sport of choice, these programmes offer a unique way to make a meaningful impact while discovering new cultures and growing as both a coach and individual. If you’re considering a new coaching adventure, United Through Sport has a programme waiting for you!