Helen Richardson has recently become an ambassador of Sport Lived, and fully endorses the great opportunities Sport Lived provides for sport enthusiasts: “Sport Lived gives young people a fantastic opportunity to experience the wonders of playing sport overseas and I believe this is one of the best things you can do. Not only does it provide you with the chance to develop as sports people, it also allows you to experience other cultures and grow as human beings. On top of this you also get to see some of the most amazing parts of the world; naturally I wanted to be a part of this.” Helen has an impressive sporting repertoire, playing for Leicester Hockey Club; recognised as the most successful ladies club in the country. They have won several league titles and are home to a number of Great Britain players. Helen is also a Great Britain hockey player, and regularly travels the world to play in some of the most exotic and prestigious locations.

As a participant of Sport Lived, you can also get the opportunity to play sport in some of the most stunning places in the world. If hockey is your passion, we offer the choice to play in New Zealand or Australia; both countries hold excellent reputations for hockey, and are renowned for nurturing sporting talent. Whether you are aiming for the top like Helen Richardson, or are looking to p lay some social sport, we have affiliations with a variety of hockey clubs who can accommodate for players of all abilities. Many of these clubs have state and international players involved in either a playing or coaching capacity, ensuring the sporting benefits of the club are maximised.

Helen Richardson represented her country at the Sydney Olympics in 2000; one of the fabulous destinations our programme offers. “Playing in the Sydney Olympics was absolutely amazing. With only being 18 at the time it is obviously an experience I won’t forget. We all know how the Aussies love their sport and they really did put on an amazing show. The facilities there were also top class, the pitch was the best there was and when you walk out onto it in front of 15,000 people, about to face the Aussies in the opening match, it doesn’t get much better.” Many of the clubs in Sydney utilise these outstanding hockey coaching facilities built for the Olympics for both training and matches.

In addition to utilising world class sporting facilities, Sport Lived also ensure that your accommodation is top quality. You will stay in 4 star apartments that are located in the city centre, a short distance from public transport, nightlife and your club, providing you with a real chance to integrate into the local community. Living with other Sport Lived participants in beautiful city centre apartments is great socially providing you with a group of friends as soon as you arrive. Helen Richardson comments “During my time as an international hockey player I have stayed in some extremely nice hotels and apartments. The Sport Lived Accommodation is certainly up there with the very best, so much so I would live there in a second! I can see the lifestyle of the participants being very comfortable, whether they’re in the apartments themselves, the pool, the spa, the gym or at the hockey club!” We also encourage you to find work while abroad and living in the city provides multiple employment opportunities at your doorstep whether you’re coaching juniors at a local school, working in a city centre bar or working for a multi-national.

Sport Lived has 3-4 staff in all of our main cities so if you feel in need of a bit of support whilst out there, or simply want to tell us about your accomplishments, you are safe in the knowledge that you can reach us on both sides of the world. The benefits of the Sport Lived programme are extensive, and are recognised by professionals like Helen: “Sport Lived gives you an opportunity to develop on a personal and sporting level. It allows you to visit parts of the world in a comfortable, safe and enjoyable environment whilst meeting a wide variety of people along the way.” Not only will you return having enhanced and fine tuned your sporting skills, but you will have experience of working and living independently in a new culture, and memories of a social life unlike any other.

Helen Richardson missed two years from hockey during 2004 and 2005 due to an ankle injury, but this has not dampened her determination, and she will be playing for Great Britain in the Beijing Olympics in August. Perhaps it is time you played some sport abroad this Summer…