Who am I?
Hello, my name is Aidan. I am a 3rd year Geography student at the University of St Andrews hoping to experience something amazing. Sport has always been a huge part of my life, and in recent years, coaching has become just as important to me. I have coached for the University's Junior Saints programme for local kids, taught at Gordonstoun International Summer school for multiple years, and even had the chance to assist in coaching some of the university's competitive teams. Secondly, travel is something I have grown to appreciate deeply. With my dad serving in the military, I had the opportunity to grow up surrounded by diverse and rich cultures. I aspire to expand this experience by immersing myself in Zambian culture—and from what I’ve heard, it is truly remarkable!
These coaching opportunities, combined with my passion for cultural exploration, have led me to this incredible new adventure. I am thrilled to share my knowledge with Zambian coaches, helping to create future career opportunities for them while also developing my own coaching skills along the way!
My Project
Zambia is a developing country in the southern half of Africa, where life operates a bit differently from here in the UK. Girls often have fewer opportunities, and for many, finding clear career pathways as they grow up can be challenging. Founded in 1998 the NGO Sport in Action have been working to use sport as a tool to help educate and develop life skills for the young people of Zambia including offering the opportunity for a coaching qualification. This is where I step in. As a volunteer with the Wallace Group, I'll be joining numerous other volunteers from eight different British universities to develop workshops and provide advice on sports coaching. One thing that has stood out to me while reading and learning about this opportunity is the mission of "Development through Sport."
Through my coaching experiences, I have been a part of helping young people learn and, more importantly, grow into the kind, caring, and ambitious adults I know they will become. I consider myself lucky to have witnessed this firsthand, and I hope to spread this joy to more people around the world—one training session at a time.
Fundraising
A key part of this adventure is raising a total of £2,500. Having done small-scale fundraising in the past, I have many ideas on how to achieve this goal.
I will be running/co-running events in St Andrews, Leuchars, and many other locations hoping to get as many people on board with this journey.
These events include:
- Race nights
- Prize Raffles
- Colour run
- Sports tournaments
- Bake sales
I will also be taking on a tough challenge known as the THREE PEAK CHALLENGE, which involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours.
(Stay tuned for updates on all of these!)
Where will the money go?
The £2,500 will be an indirect donation to Sport in Action, covering my travel, expenses, visas, and vaccinations. In turn, this will enable me to provide a vital service by sharing my years of experience in this field.
Please note: All payments will be processed at the time of donation. This means you will be charged immediately upon making your donation. In the event that a project does not reach its specified target, your donation will be directed towards the area of greatest need within the programme. This approach allows us to maximise the impact of your support and ensures that your contribution continues to make a meaningful difference. If you have any questions or concerns about this update, please do not hesitate to contact us at saintsfunder@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Join me on this Adventure!!!
If you’re able to donate, that would be the ideal way to support me—but it’s not the only way! Sharing this project with everyone you know will bring me one step closer to Lusaka. Spread the word via social media, your workplace tea room, friends and family group chats, word of mouth, or any other way you can think of.
Don’t forget to sign up as a Helper or Follower for my project!
I am so excited to be taking part in this programme and cannot wait to make a difference in Zambia. Any support you can offer, whether through sponsorship or spreading the word, would mean the world to me! Thank you!
