It is hoped that tourists will have the opportunity to leave behind (if only temporarily) the disadvantages of their home or other normal daily circumstances and that they will experience travel, a different culture, and a sense of a wider world which is interested in them and which has something to offer them.

Hosting children will experience new friendships and many children at the hosting school will obtain an insight into the lives and circumstances of others who are less fortunate than themselves and who are culturally different.

“This tournament has really opened my eyes to what rugby means to me. I had not appreciated quite how lucky we are in England, but also that rugby can provide a real chance for so many children all over the world. I have found the whole experience of meeting, playing against and learning about life in Eastern Europe fantastic.” Ryan Clark, 13 yrs  – rugby captain at Brandeston Hall Suffolk

What assistance will touraid provide for the Tour?

• touraid will identify the touring team
• touraid will arrange for travel visas and pay for travel insurance and air flights to and from the UK
• touraid will be present at the arrival of the tourists in the UK to assist with introductions.
• The dedicated 'Tour Officer' from touraid will liaise with your school before, during and after the tour
• touraid will provide a profile of each tourist for your school and the hosting families.
• At least one of the adults accompanying the tour will speak English and will be supplied with a mobile phone for ease of communication at all times.

“The idea of giving disadvantaged children from across the globe an experience they will never forget through touraid is very exciting!” Philippos Kyriacou - CDO London Irish

What exactly is your school responsible for?

• Transportation throughout the tour including journeys to and from the point of entry and departure from the UK
• Accommodation throughout the tour for players and accompanying adults. CRB checks must be done on hosting families
• Meals both in school and on visits/trips
• Compiling the itinerary for the tour. The Tour Officer can provide examples of best practice from other schools
• Educational Opportunities inside the school during assembly, Tutor periods, Games, PE, Citizenship, PHSE, Geography, History, Art, Music,& Languages etc
• Visits to places of interest
• The nomination of an Administrative Officer to co-ordinate the school’s planning and to liaise with touraid’s Tour Officer
• Appropriate Insurance (incl. public liability insurance) and adequate medical cover
• Suitable qualified people to supervise all planned activities.

touraid exists to assist in the establishment of sustainable relationships between schools such as yours and organisations around the globe such as the school or club to which the tourists belong. Prior to the tour, touraid would like to hear from your school about the plans which are being made to sustain your relationship with your tourists after they have gone home. touraid will assist you in formulating those plans and can give examples of the ways in which previous tours have led to theses enduring links.

“NEC Harlequins are delighted to support touraid. touraid’s contribution to rugby and the many families this scheme reaches is remarkable, and Quins are hugely privileged to be a part of it.” Nick Hyde – CDO NEC Harlequins

If you believe that your community would like to get involved as a host school  please contact Andy Berry or Suzanne Wootten at info@touraid.org