Why a Gap Year with Sport Lived?

With a vast array of gap year options, what sets Sport Lived apart and why should you choose a Sport Lived programme?

Quality – everything we do is based around quality. This reflected in the service provided before, during and after your programme.  It’s reflected in the standard of your accommodation, the quality of your club or coaching placement and the sport coaching you receive at our academies.  It is also reflected in our staff.  We know that the only way to offer quality programmes is through employing quality staff.

Individually tailored programmes – none of the cattle heard mentality with us!  We know that every person wants something different from their programme which is why we always go the extra mile to find our exactly what you want from your Gap Year experience and we do everything we can to deliver.  Whether you have a specific sports requirement or want to get some weird and wonderful work experience, our mission is to make it happen.

The Sport Lived network – an unrivalled presence in the Southern Hemisphere.  Not only do we have staff in all the main cities, but we also have links with the widest range of sports clubs, academies and sport coaching opportunities.  This enables us to ensure that your programme is matched perfectly to your requirements.  Whether you want to coach gifted youngsters, train with a top class sports club or just have some fun playing with a local team the Sport Lived network offers something for everyone.

Accommodation – your home away from home.  For all our programmes we provide participants with 4 star centrally located accommodation.  In order for you to get the most out of your programme you need to be in the heart of a city so that you can take advantage of all that our wonderful destinations have to offer.  Participants live together in plush, fully furnished apartments that offer the best of modern, city centre living down under.

“During my programme in Sydney I was living 15 minutes walk from the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.  Living in the centre of one of the world’s best cities was an awesome experience.  It meant we could easily travel to training and made obtaining work much easier – we were also best placed to take full advantage of Sydney’s legendary nightlife!”

Andy Page, Rugby in Sydney 2007

Programme co-ordinators – our programme co-ordinators play a central role in the Sport Lived experience.  Reliable, friendly and gorgeous (well, we think so) they will be in touch before you leave home to answer any questions you might have, they will be waiting at the airport to welcome you and will continue to be a constant presence throughout your programme.  They organise regular social events and will help you with any issues during your stay. 

“Sport Lived gave us a programme co-ordinator who goes by the name of Matt Pell. Matt sorted us out with mobile phones and bank accounts and took us to our jobs in our first couple of days out here and basically made settling into a new city much easier.”

George Nash, Rowing Coach, Melbourne 2008

Pre-departure briefing – calm the nerves, meet your peers.  We understand that going away can be a daunting prospect – for parents as well as participants!  Our pre-departure briefings take place approximately 6 weeks before you set off and the Sport Lived team will take you through all aspects of your programme.  You’ll also have a chance to meet your fellow participants and ask any remaining questions.  What’s more, you’ll receive a much sought after Sport Lived goody bag.

“the pre departure briefing was very well managed and gave a really good insight to what might be expected in Australia”

Alan Francis, Parent of James Francis – Cricket player 2007/08