During the Michaelmas half term, 32 kids and 4 members of staff headed to Dubai for a much-anticipated netball tour.
Day one started with an action-packed itinerary. After arriving in Dubai after a night flight, the girls all headed straight to the Sevens Netball Stadium for a strength and conditioning session with Precision Athlete trainers. The girls then combined teams with Bradfield College for an hour of unofficial match play. After a long day, they all headed to the beach before checking into the hotel and having an early night, ready for the excitement of the week.
On day two, the girls headed straight back to the Seven Stadium for a training session, which was thoroughly enjoyed. After this, a few of the girls headed to the pool to relax before their first set of matches against Dubai British Speaking College. Day two was rounded off by a fantastic dinner at McGetitigans with views of the lake and the Burj Al Arab as well as a trip around the local souk!
Day three had a very exciting start for the students; a trip up the Burj Kalifa, the world’s tallest building, followed by a few hours at the Dubai Shopping Mall. In the afternoon, the netballers headed to Dubai College for a mini tournament consisting of Hurst, Bradfield College, and Dubai College. Unfortunately there was a storm that moved the tournament inside, however it created a great atmosphere, and competitive matches making it an enjoyable experience for all.
The Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark was on the agenda for day 4, where the girls had a brilliant day out and away from their phones. Fortunately, the staff had their phones to capture a moment when they bumped into and met James Cordon! After a fun-filled day at the waterpark, they all headed to Oreganos Italian for dinner.
Day five was the last full day of the trip and to make the most of it, they had an early start and a trip to Abu Dhabi to play Capital Netball Club in fixtures at Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub which were competitive and enjoyable matches (despite the heat!). The girls were treated to ice cream to cool down and relax after their impressive netball displays. To end the holiday, they were all picked up for a jeep safari, BBQ dinner, and show which consisted of camel rides and henna tattoos. It was great fun for all involved.
“ Well done to Olivia for tours captain, Tia and Lottie for players of the tour, Skye for most improved and Ellie for top tourist! Also, a massive thank you to all the teachers for organising and looking after us Dubai, we all had so much fun! ” Anna D, Student
