All blog entries

project work

Sam Crocker FA coaching Scholar returns from Borneo School Expedition.

Posted by: Birdman on Sep 23, 2011

Sam Crocker from Hardenhuish school wanted to let us know how much fun he had on his expedition to Borneo this year.

His Mum wrote us a lovely card:

Hi CI team,

Firstly I would just like to say a huge thank you for putting together such a fantastic experience. My son Sam returned from Borneo with the Hardenhuish group last week and he has had a fabulous time. Your mix of challenges,opportunities to make a difference, out of this world experiences, and a bit of R&R made for a fabulous trip. Each day he remembers another story we haven't yet heard (the latest? - The night I was chased by dung beetles!!)and I know this is an experience he will remember for many many years to come.

If you can pass on our thanks to the team in country we would appreciate that.

And here is their press release:

FA National Coaching Scholar returns from Borneo

As Sam Crocker's year as a National Young Coaching Scholar with the English Football Association drew to an end his enthusiasm for volunteering took a different turn with a visit to the wilds of Borneo.

Having enjoyed his voluntary work within the UK and spurred on by the FA's recognition of his coaching work, Sam decided to take a summer out from revision and signed up for a month long expedition to Borneo. Organised by expedition specialists Camps International, the trip involved a fantastic mix of community projects and conservation work. Sam said "When I first got offered the opportunity to go, I couldn’t see any reason why I shouldn’t take the chance. It had community and wildlife conservation work, an immersion in a totally different culture and a few tough physical challenges; I just couldn’t refuse!”

Amongst his fund-raising activities to pay for the trip Sam completed a sponsored climb of 273 ascents of his school climbing wall. This amounted to a total of 4095 metres, the height of Mount Kinabalu in Borneo.

Whilst in-country, Sam spent time clearing rainforest and planting new trees, laying foundations for a community centre and building a gravity water feed system; projects that were designed to make a profound and lasting impact to disadvantaged communities in the Sabah region of Borneo.

In addition to his community work Sam did get time out for some well deserved R and R. As well as an ascent on East Asia's tallest mountain, Mount Kinabalu, Sam also had the opportunity to pit his football skills against some of the locals. Sam explains "One evening I managed to play with a team of local lads, they liked the look of me so I got invited back for the game against one of the rival villages and I scored the winner. From then on I was playing football every day, it was great for my fitness and was really fun too."

Sam returned from Borneo in mid-August in time to resume training with North Wilts Youth And Minor League Cup winners FC Chippenham in readiness for the start of the new season.