Monday 15th February 2016
Alas, Sir John Deane’s College’s final day has arrived, sob. But they’ve ended on a high with a sport-filled visit to Columbia University. After exploring the grounds, the group took refuge from New York’s gloomy skies in the university’s spectacular facilities at Dodge Fitness Centre, gaining a true ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour with a strong focus on its scholarship programmes.
A cheeky photobomb in front of the university’s library! And yes, we said library. This is the incredible scale of American universities.
The best way to end the tour? An insightful Q&A session in the fitness centre’s Lou Gehrig Lounge, giving them plenty to contemplate about their academic futures. Jumping back on the subway, the group returned to the hotel and then made their way to JFK Airport for their journey home. No doubt their time here has gone quickly, but we’re sure New York has left them with a greater educational understanding of sports and sports marketing, enough culture to last a lifetime and a true love for ‘the city that never sleeps’.
Waving Lady Liberty goodbye, it’s back to the UK for Sir John Deane’s College.
Sunday 14th February 2016
Kicking back with a lazy Sunday, the group settled in for an exciting (albeit chilly!) live NHL game between the New Jersey Devils and the Los Angeles Kings. It was victory for the Devils who won 1-0, and the group well and truly soaked up that All-American hockey atmosphere. Can’t beat a bit of live sport!
With a buzz in the air and foam fingers on hands, some even managed to make it on to the big screen! Of course it was also a chance to refuel with some proper American grub. Later posing for a group shot in Central Park, with a scenic backdrop of skyscrapers and Wollman Rink (just your everyday sight in New York), it was a relaxing afternoon in preparation for their final day tomorrow.
Their last college visit to Columbia University awaits…
Saturday 13th February 2016
What better way to start the day than a trip out to see the Statue of Liberty? On this particular winter’s morning, even Lady Liberty herself looked like she could have used a hat and coat, but the staff and students of Sir John Deane’s College wrapped up warm and braved the elements on the ferry out to Liberty Island.
Next stop was the world-famous Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers and the ultimate venue for numerous other sporting events, from multi-million dollar boxing matches to all-star tennis. With a focus on sports marketing, the students enjoyed a memorable tour of MSG (and being inside for a while!) before facing the cold again as they made their way to the Empire State Building. Another day, another magnificent city view and another of New York’s landmarks ticked off!
This morning, the group left behind the famous sights of the Big Apple and headed to the private Dominican College. College visits are one of the main focuses of this trip and the students were excited to experience college life for themselves, and to hear all about the college sport scholarship programme in the US. They met Colin Hodge, head coach of the soccer programme, who gave a tour of the impressive campus facilities, followed by an excellent talk which gave the students real food for thought for their own post-sixth form options.
After a great afternoon at the American Museum of Natural History, the students had what is sure to be one of the most memorable evenings of the tour – dinner at the iconic Ellen’s Stardust Diner. The waiters and waitresses are all wannabe Broadway stars, livening up dinner with fabulous renditions of Broadway and Hollywood favourites (not forgetting the dancing on the tables!). As if that wasn’t enough for one day, the students still had enough energy for a spot of shopping in Times Square. Well, when in New York…..
Tomorrow’s all about sightseeing and Madison Square Gardens so check back to see what the group got up to!
Thursday 11th February 2016 (continued)
Feeling on top of the world! Or should we say Rock? After a safe landing and checking in to their hotel, the group set off for the all-impressive Rockefeller Centre.
Soaking up its awe-inspiring architecture and recreating the classic Lunch Atop a Skyscraper photo, they ascended 70 floors high to experience unobstructed 360° city views. Without a doubt, these city views are one of a kind, especially when the sun starts to set. Only in New York!
Tomorrow brings the group’s first college visit – watch this space!
Thursday 11th February 2016
Today’s the day! Sports and Travel and Tourism students from Sir John Deane’s College in Cheshire jet off to New York today to kick-start their All-American sports tour.
Setting their sights as high as the skyscrapers, they’re in for a jam-packed 5 days of US college visits (including the incredible Columbia University), live sport and those oh-so iconic sights – Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden… you get the picture.
Trading matches for a blend of academic and cultural sightseeing, this group will gain a true insight into sports scholarships and the commercialisation of sport and sports marketing – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
We’ll be keeping you updated with the group’s happenings right here on our blog and Sports Twitter page, so check in for new posts!
And it goes without saying, we hope Sir John Deane’s College have an absolutely incredible time!