Amazing Tour to Sri Lanka for Roedean Netballers
During the winter break, a group of 15 students took part in an extraordinary netball tour to Sri Lanka, where sport, culture, adventure and service combined to create a truly unforgettable experience.
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Over the Christmas holidays, a group of 15 students embarked on an unforgettable netball tour to Sri Lanka, combining competitive sport with cultural immersion, adventure and community service. It was a truly brilliant trip that will be remembered by everyone involved.
The tour included four exciting netball matches against strong Sri Lankan sides. Each game provided a challenge whilst helping the girls develop their skills and strengthen their teamwork and resilience on court. The matches were a highlight for many, as Yr9 student Heidi shared: “The netball matches that we played were incredible – for us all to experience together as a team.”
Beyond netball, the group embraced Sri Lankan culture wholeheartedly. Food quickly became a favourite part of the experience, with students sampling fresh mangoes from roadside stalls and drinking refreshing coconut milk straight from the shell. These simple but authentic moments helped the group connect with everyday life in Sri Lanka.
The tour also offered valuable cultural insights. Visits to a silk factory and a Buddhist temple gave the students the opportunity to learn more about the country’s traditions, history and way of life. These experiences deepened their understanding of a culture very different from their own and encouraged curiosity and respect.
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was the safari, where the group saw elephants, crocodiles, a jackal and a wide variety of exotic birds in their natural habitat. Yr10 student Tilly described this as a standout moment, saying, “Going to see all of the amazing landmarks and going on a safari and seeing lots of elephants were incredible moments.”
Another remarkable experience was a visit to a turtle hatchery, where students were able to hold three-day-old turtles. This hands-on encounter with wildlife was both educational and deeply memorable.
In addition to sport and sightseeing, the trip also had a strong charitable focus. Following catastrophic flooding in the north of Sri Lanka shortly before the tour, the group travelled with extra suitcases filled with donated clothing. These were delivered to The Foundation of Goodness charity, which distributed them to flood victims in need. This act of kindness highlighted the students’ compassion and sense of global responsibility.
Throughout the week, the group received an incredibly warm welcome from everyone they met. The girls were outstanding ambassadors for the School, displaying maturity, enthusiasm and respect at all times. This Sri Lanka Netball Tour was definitely an enriching experience that will stay with the students for years to come. Yr9 student Mable summed up the experience perfectly: “I really enjoyed my time in Sri Lanka — it was one of the best school trips I’ve been on.”
