AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust recently welcomed a touring group from South Africa to Bournemouth for an 11-day trip, as part of the South Africa Community Project.
Throughout their stay, the girls took part in a series of training sessions, utilising the 3G pitch facilities at Ringwood Community Hub and Vitality Stadium, alongside recovery sessions including stretching, foam rolling and swimming.
The group had the opportunity to play three fixtures against teams representing AFC Bournemouth, Wimborne Town and the female football education programme from Brockenhurst College.
A standout day for the group included a tour of Vitality Stadium, having a look behind the scenes at the facilities used by first-team players on a matchday.
They toured the home and away dressing rooms, warm-up area and media suites before walking down the tunnel and out pitchside.
Following their tour, the group met AFC Bournemouth women’s players Katie Scadding and Kenni Thompson, who answered their questions and spoke about their careers to date.
Whist on their tour, the group attended two matchdays at Vitality Stadium, supporting the women’s team in their draw against Keynsham Town and the men’s team in their win over Everton.
Speaking after the tour, head of community Steve Cuss told afcb.co.uk: “We were delighted to welcome the girls from the South Africa Community Project to Bournemouth.
“The group enjoyed a variety of activities, training sessions and games and we hope that they all enjoyed the experience.”
