- 4 - 18 weeks swimming overseas
- Enjoying a taste of Aussie lifestyle
- Working on your times and technique
- Boosting your CV with work experience
Sport Lived
Active Breaks In Australia, New Zealand And Argentina
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Swimming: Play the mini season in Australia
Duration: 4 - 18 weeks
Overview
Get a taste of Aussie life with our Mini Season swimming programme. Spend part of the season with a local swimming club, enjoying our shared accommodation at the heart of the action. As with all Sport Lived programmes, you’ll also make friends for life along the way.
Recommended for:
At a glance:
- Hand picked Aussie swimming club
- Regular competitions, training & socials
- Shared accommodation
- 24/7 mentor support throughout your stay
Sporting adventures
The Mini Season gives you the freedom to combine swimming overseas with a more flexible programme. Our links with clubs ensure you’ll be matched with a team that suits your ability and your personality.
We also know how much you’re looking forward to life in Australia – so we give you everything you need to settle in and enjoy your freedom.
With city centre accommodation and a friendly mentor on hand 24/7, you can make the most of every minute. Add excellent training facilities and a thriving social scene and life doesn’t get much better than this!
FAQs
1. What type of visa do I need?
Australian Working Holiday Visa
If you would like to obtain paid work during your programme you will need to obtain an Australian Working Holiday Visa. UK citizens aged 18-30 are eligible for an Australian Working Holiday Visa which enables holders to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months. It costs around £150 and can take up to 4 weeks to process so we recommend getting the paperwork sorted well in advance of your departure.
Australian Tourist Visa
If you don’t want to work in Australia you can get an Australian Tourist Visa.
For more information see the Travel & Visa section in the Need to Know area of our site.
2. Do I need to be an elite athlete?
Absolutely not! We cater for athletes of all abilities. We will obtain further information on your sporting ability once you have submitted your booking form. This will allow us to match you with a suitable club.
3. How can I find out more general information?
Hopefully, most key pieces of information are available on the website where you can download programme notes, prices and dates. Our Need to Know section also contains lots of useful information. If you have other questions or just want to have a chat, we’re always available either on the phone or via email.
We know that planning a trip overseas can be scary at times and there’s loads to think about. So don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need to discuss anything at all.
Working overseas
You’ll have plenty of spare time between training and competing if you’d like to get a job. As well as enhancing your CV and boosting your bank balance, working overseas will help you meet new people and provide more structure to your time away.
Top tips for getting work:
- Plan the type of work you'd like to obtain
- Try to gain relevant work experience
- Prepare a CV and have two references
- Be proactive & persistent in job hunting
Employment options:
- Café/bar work: sociable environment
- Office work: good rates of pay
- Coaching: fulfilling and well paid
- Work experience: boost your CV
Working in Australia
You’ll be living close to lots of employment options like offices, shops, bars and restaurants. Contacts at your sport club might also help you to find coaching work.
In addition, your mentor will provide guidance on working in Australia but you should ensure you’re well prepared as the job market can be as competitive as the sports arena!
Swimming in Australia
We have links with a wide range of good Australian swimming clubs who’ll welcome you as a new member. Get ready for plenty of banter - the Aussies love to have a laugh with their new Pommey teammates!
With the Mini Season, you’ll experience part of the Aussie season spending 10 - 20 weeks swimming and partying with your club.
Club structure
Most of our swimming clubs in Australia have between 8-10 squads. These squads span the full spectrum of ability from international, national and state through to intermediate and social squads.
As clubs have lots of members and a variety of squads they are able to accommodate swimmers of all abilities from elite to social.
Competitions and training
You will train 3-4 times a week and compete regularly at the weekends.
Each club also offers high quality coaching and many have instructors who have worked with state and national swimming squads.
In addition, a number of the swimming clubs have both indoor and outdoor pools and on site gyms. Swimmers going to Melbourne train at the aquatic centre which hosted the majority of swimming events during the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Out of the pool
With so many members, your club will be a hive of social activity. There’ll be drinks after training and competitions, plus social events throughout the season – club nights and regular socials. Many clubs also attend swimming competitions in other cities - a great chance to get to know your teammates whilst exploring a new part of Oz.
Swimming development
Our clubs are selected for their high quality coaching and facilities, helping you to return home as a much improved swimmer. If your performances are noted, you could also find yourself selected for a state representative squad – highly prestigious!
…and finally
What are you waiting for? Get out there and show the Aussies how it’s done!
Social life
Through your swimming club...
Australian swimming clubs are incredibly social so get ready to swim hard and party harder. Pub crawls, fancy dress parties, BBQs and an end of season ball ensure there’s never a dull moment.
With Sport Lived…
You’ll live alongside other Sport Lived participants who are playing and coaching a wide variety of sports. This provides a ready made group of friends for you to get together with and explore life in your chosen Aussie city.
Your programme will begin with introductory drinks during the first week, co-ordinated by your mentor who will also organise monthly social events. These might include a day out at a seasonal sporting event, a traditional Aussie barbie, pub golf and much more.
Your pad
- STANDARD ACCOMMODATION
- PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION
STANDARD ACCOMMODATION
Choose our Standard Accommodation in Australia and you’ll live in a dorm room in a hostel or lodge. All our Standard pads are centrally located and provide easy access to public transport. This makes it easier to get to your sports club, as well as giving you the chance to try out all the bars, clubs and restaurants in the city centre.
At a glance:
- Top quality hostel accommodation
- Located close to transport and nightlife
- Shared with Sport Lived participants
- Meet travellers from around the world
Your place in Australia...
You’ll share a dorm room with other Sport Lived participants. You’ll get fully equipped kitchen facilities, a base for your belongings and large comfortable communal areas, so you can catch up with other Sport Lived participants and travellers from around the world.
NB: Illustrative accommodation pictures.
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION
Choose our Premium Accommodation in Australia and you’ll live in a 4 star apartment in the centre of town. Your club will be easily accessible by public transport and with lots of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops close by there are plenty of places explore.
Four star city centre apartmentsAt a glance:
- 4-star fully furnished apartments
- Located close to transport and nightlife
- Shared with Sport Lived participants
- Relax! Most bills are included
Home from home...
Apartments are shared with other Sport Lived participants and include a 24 hour reception plus many mod-cons. Apartments are fully furnished including a TV, linen, kitchen appliances, washing machines, etc. They are also serviced weekly so you can spend your time having fun.
NB: Illustrative accommodation pictures.
Reviews
MATTHEW BERRINGTON – SWIMMING MINI SEASON MELBOURNE
What was the highlight of your Sport Lived experience?
My personal highlight was swimming in the Victoria Open State Championships in the final weekend of my stay. The standard was very high and it was a great experience to round off the trip, as well as satisfying to see all the hard training paying off!
Do you think the Sport Lived experience has changed you as a person? If so, how?
The experience definitely changed me. Travelling and living independently was certainly something I had not done before, and whilst initially scary, it became much less so and gave me lots of confidence going forward to university this year.
What tips would you give to future Sport Lived participants?
Do and see as much as possible! This may well be a once in a lifetime opportunity so make the most of it. You don’t want to have any regrets when you get home.
Why would someone choose Sport Lived?
Organising a sporting gap year independently could be a nightmare. Sport Lived organise it all for you, giving you peace of mind which is not easy to come by when organising a trip round the other side of the world!
Have you improved as a player/coach?
Undoubtedly. My coaches were amazing, giving me new ideas on how to improve and pushing me in training to meet my goals. The benefit you get out of it will reflect how much effort you put in, and when you see yourself improving you realise it’s all worth it.
...and finally, in a single sentence, I'm glad I went on a Sport Lived programme because
It’s an amazing opportunity to experience your passion for your sport in a totally different environment whilst making great friends along the way.
A week in the life...
...... of Steph Hackett, Swimming in Brisbane.
Monday
After a full weekend of competing in a Queensland swimming competition, I had a day to relax so we went to Brisbane’s closest beach, Manly, and played some volleyball with the guys. That evening we went to the cinema- Aussies are rowdy cinema-goers!
Tuesday
Spent most of the day lazing it out by the pool at the apartment, trying to win the tanning competition. In the afternoon I had 2 hours of training- hard work but I enjoyed it.
Wednesday
Had 4 hours of hard training today, so you can guarantee to feel tired by the end of the day. In between the two sessions the girls and I went over to Southbank for lunch and sat on the Street Beach with an ice cream.
Thursday
After training a group of us went to Dreamworld on the Gold Coast- had an amazing time, the park wasn’t busy so we managed to get on the rides quite quickly. Got back quite late so went straight to bed to prepare for tomorrow.
Friday
This was the 3rd 5:30am start in a row- trained for 2 hours this morning. In the afternoon I went to Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. Another great day, seeing the crocodiles, snakes, tigers and all of the other animals.
Saturday
Had training 6:30-8:30am and afterwards I went over to watch the boys play their rugby matches. In the evening we all went out to celebrate the wins and losses of the day, and for the leaving of one of the guys.
Sunday
After 3 hours sleep I was up early to go to Noosa Beach it is about a 2 hour drive away, but is well worth it. You can see the beaches for miles, plenty of surfers and some really nice cafes set back from the beach.
Australia
Sun, sea, sand and SPORT! Australia’s sporting prowess is as legendary as the Great Barrier Reef and a Sport Lived programme is your chance to experience both.
Australia highlights:
- Watch a magical sunrise over Ayers Rock
- Catch a cricket match at the MCG
- Dive the Great Barrier Reef
- Learn to surf at Bondi Beach
Choose your destination city...
Our programmes run to cities across Australia. Click on each city to learn more but be warned, choosing your destination is NOT an easy decision.
Sport Lived in Brisbane
Simon heads up the Sport Lived team in Brisbane and is a thoroughbred Queenslander. He’s travelled the world but made Brissy his home, so hear all about his favourite city.
The weather in Brisbane today is...
Your mentor recommends:
- Head to the Gold Coast for a surfing lesson
- Enjoy the city centre beach at South Bank
- Visit the city's riverfront bars & restaurants
- Check out Queensland's beautiful islands
Beautiful one day, perfect the next is the ideal way to describe sunny Queensland. Brisbane is located right at the heart of Queensland and is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere. It’s hard to go wrong with the tropical climate which leads to long balmy nights spent either on the beach or enjoying a cold drink with friends.
Situated on the magnificent Brisbane River the city is the place to be. It is well known for its bustling night life. Whether you want a couple of drinks in a traditional Australian pub, a night on the dance floor or anything in between, Brisbane has a night spot to suit. Brisbane is very popular among travellers and backpackers as the city is constantly thriving with life.
Brisbane also boasts two of Australia’s best sporting stadiums. The Gabba and Suncorp Stadium host matches of Rugby League, Cricket, Aussie Rules, A League Football, Rugby Union - basically every sport you could wish for!
The city is also just an hour's drive from the stunning Gold Coast, which is known internationally as a popular tourist destination, thanks to its white sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean. Maybe now is the time to take up the opportunity to learn how to surf; or travel up further north to the beautiful rainforests and spectacular waterfalls.
In summary, Brisbane is a fantastic city offering amazing experiences. Your time spent here will be remembered and treasured for life.
Sport Lived in Melbourne
Matt has been part of the Sport Lived team in Melbourne for the last few years. Although he was born in the US, he was raised in Melbourne and considers the city home, making him perfectly placed to tell you all about its attractions.
The weather in Melbourne today is...
Your mentor recommends:
- Catch the Boxing Day Test Match
- Take a trip along the Great Ocean Road
- Have a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens
- Check out South Yarra's shops and cafés
First things first. Whether it be playing professionally, socially with mates, coaching or simply watching on the telly, Melburnians LOVE sport. It doesn't matter where you are - the heart of the city, a country town, or in the suburbs, you will not only find a pub with a TV screen, but also an enthusiastic Aussie crowd to watch the action. In terms of live sport, we have the famous Boxing Day test match, Aussie Open Tennis, Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup – Australia’s most famous horse race.
But there’s more than sport. Most importantly, the Melbourne people are an incredible bunch. There's a warm, community sense that vibrates through the city. The locals are typically laid back and welcoming. They love to show off their city and will probably insist on taking you out on the town, exchanging slang words and introducing you to their mates.
This city is famous as the home of culture in Australia and has amazing art exhibitions, markets, music and comedy festivals; shopping, nightclubs and trendy bars. Whatever your taste, you'll find places in Melbourne dedicated to people like yourself.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
