Sport students experience Brazil at its best on unforgettable trip to South America

A group of Sport students from New City College recently returned from an international trip to Brazil, where they experienced the country’s vibrant sporting culture and explored some of its most iconic landmarks.

The trip, involving students from Epping Forest, Havering Sixth Form, Redbridge and Hackney Campuses, was packed with a variety of physical activities, cultural opportunities and memorable moments that offered students a unique perspective on sport and its role within Brazilian society.

As part of their educational itinerary, students toured the world-famous Maracanã Stadium and were lucky enough to experience a live football match there – an atmosphere many described as ‘absolutely incredible’ and completely different to any matches they had been to in the UK.

They also visited the Olympic Park, where they took part in gymnastics, volleyball and tumbling sessions.

The students learnt about Brazil’s cultural heritage by trying out traditional martial arts, such as Capoeira and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and tested their teamwork skills during a canoeing session across the bay of Rio de Janeiro. They also played the popular Brazilian sport of foot-volleyball on the beach and competed in friendly football and basketball matches with local students at a Brazilian college.

Despite the language barrier, many NCC students made lasting connections with the students from Rio.

Student Teia-Mai Clark, who studies at Redbridge Campus, said: “The activities, the country, the people, the food, the sun and the bonds I made with the Brazilians and others on the trip were highlights for me. The memories I have will stay with me forever.”

There was also time for the group to do some sightseeing, with visits to iconic locations such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach and a bustling market in Ipanema – giving students a true taste of Rio’s culture and environment.

Daniel Barlow, of Havering Sixth Form Campus, said: “Taking part in canoeing was fun. Visiting Rio’s tourist locations like Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach – and also watching Fluminense play at the Maracanã Stadium – were my favourite parts of the trip.”

For fellow student Reanne Rubio, who is studying Sport Science at Havering Sixth Form, the trip was transformative: “It helped me step out of my comfort zone and try new things for the first time. Meeting local people, learning bits of Portuguese from them, bonding with classmates and making friends with students from other NCC campuses that I’d never spoken to before – it was amazing.”

Michael Smith, Course Team Lead for Level 3 Sport, said: “These trips are about so much more than just sport – they develop teamwork, resilience, communication skills and give students experiences they would not get anywhere else. The students come back inspired, more connected, and with memories that last a lifetime.”

Trips like this are an integral part of the Sport courses at New City College, giving students the opportunity to develop practical skills, grow in confidence, and broaden their cultural horizons.

To experience our fantastic international trips, which are taken at little cost to the student, apply for one of our Sport courses at New City College today!