Each year for the past three years the Academy has embarked on a trip abroad during the February half-term.
The past two trips have seen the boys experience the sub-continent conditions, cultures and environments in Abu Dhabi and Mumbai. This year they head south to experience the cultures, conditions and climate in Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa. Nine boys and three coaches will be based for the duration of the tour at Hilton College, one of the best private schools in South Africa.
They will be joined on the trip by the Hampshire Academy and together with Hampshire, the players will get the chance to play, train and socialise with the Hilton boys. As part of the Academy programme the boys will be exposed to different climates and environments that will challenge them mentally and physically.
Ideally the players, as part of their development programs, will experience both the sub-continent conditions as they did in India last year and the southern hemisphere conditions they are going to experience on this trip. This will develop the players’ ability to cope with tough situations and create mentally tough, adaptable cricketers that can play in all conditions.
The tour will consist mainly of net and middle practise sessions but also a 50 over match against the Hampshire Academy. The boys will also get to experience some African culture with an overnight stay in the African bush, a game drive and a trip to Ushaka Marine World. We hope the players will come back better cricketers as well as more rounded young men from the experience.