Teach Secondary 14.4

ASK THE EXPERT Plan a stress-free sports tour Jamie Anthony, Head of Sales at Edwin Doran Sports Tours, shares his expertise on planning a seamless sports tour for schools EXPERT PROFILE NAME: Jamie Anthony JOB TITLE: Head of Sales, Edwin Doran Sports Tours AREA OF EXPERTISE: Sports tours and school partnerships BEST PART OF MY JOB: Hearing from schools about the life-changing sporting and cultural experiences we provided What is the first step in planning a stress-free sports tour? The first step is to clearly define your objectives. Prioritise what you want to achieve, including the sports to be played, the strength of your teams and the type of challenge you want for them. The desired outcomes for students are essential, and the overall experience you aim to provide. At Edwin Doran, we help Group Leaders with defining clear goals, so they can make informed decisions and keep tour plans on track. How important is flexibility in planning a sports tour? Flexibility is crucial. Being open to different destinations and options can lead to discovering the best fit for your group. We ask that you communicate your non-negotiables – such as budget, sports, and travel dates – so we can best tailor your tour and provide several options for you to consider. Weighing the pros and cons with your school’s colleagues will ensure you choose the best package that meets your needs. Why is early planning essential for a successful tour? Starting early is key to a well-organised tour. Begin your administrative tasks as soon as possible so that everything falls into place smoothly. Gather necessary information, seek approvals from senior leadership and involve your colleagues in the planning process. Early planning helps secure the best airfares, accommodation and fixtures, making the tour more enjoyable and less stressful. How can schools manage the costs of a sports tour effectively? Calculating the costs accurately is vital. Consider all potential expenses, including airfare, accommodation, meals, transport and excursions. As Edwin Doran has been organising tours for over 50 years, our team can help guide key considerations such as the costs of visas, tipping and security deposits. Having a clear budget and a contingency fund helps avoid financial surprises. Collaborate with your tour operator to get the best value for money and ensure a smooth financial plan. What role does the tour operator play in ensuring a tour’s success? The tour operator is your key partner. They should understand your team’s needs and provide well-matched fixtures. At Edwin Doran Sports Tours, we pride ourselves on building a strong relationship with schools to ensure we can offer the best possible advice and valuable support. Regular communication and collaboration helps address any issues promptly, and makes the tour experience seamless and more enjoyable for everyone involved. ASK ME ABOUT EXPERT PLANNING: In collaboration with PADSIS, we have developed an ultimate guide on how to plan a stress-free sports tour. TAILORED TOURS: Our tours are customised to meet the specific needs and goals of your school. 24/7 SUPPORT: We offer round-the-clock support during your tour to handle any issues that might arise edwindoran.com T: 020 3617 7983 PA R T N E R C O N T E N T 50 teachwire.net/secondary