2009-11-26 13:32:58 - While fans across the globe are joining the scrabble for tickets to the hottest sporting events of the 2010, more savvy travellers are combining their love of sports with a more fulfilling experience with training programmes from Real Gap sports...

With the 2010, FIFA World Cup on the horizon and this year’s mammoth cricket tour in full swing, South Africa is emerging as the world’s top sporting destination. Having already produced an impressive array of high calibre players including Steven Pienaar and Mark Boucher, a new generation of sports fans are flocking to South Africa’s sun kissed shores to witness the rise of new sporting stars.

While fans across the globe are joining the scrabble for tickets to the hottest sporting events of the year, more savvy travellers are combining their love of sports with a more fulfilling travel experience. For devotees who want to do more than just watch their heroes in action, popular gap year sports company Real Gap

have an exciting range of options that will keep them busy in between games.

The cricket season may already be underway, but the best is far from over; the final tests are set for the New Year and will take place in the cosmopolitan destinations of Cape Town on the 3rd and Johannesburg on the 14th January. Adventurers who want work on their game while they watch the stars can choose between Real Gap’s innovative South Africa Cricket Coaching and world class South Africa Cricket Academy, both based in nearby Port Elizabeth.

Ideal for cricket enthusiasts who feel they have a lot to offer less experienced players, the coaching programme is a fantastic opportunity to work with the country’s raw talent whilst developing a unique coaching style. Volunteers can help organise and run training clinics and matches for the children, in preparation for cricket tournaments on a larger scale. The central aim of the programme is to assist local youngsters with individual training and sports development, as well as keeping an eye out for young players who could be the next big thing!

For those who dream of hitting the headlines themselves, the South Africa Cricket Academy offers access to unrivalled training facilities, graced by Dave Richardson and Kepler Wessels in their junior days. Players can take a break from watching the action and work fine tune their own game with a tailored and intensive training course. Famed as one of the country’s leading institutions, trainees will have access to expert tuition as well as access to the latest facilities and equipment. Working on the physical, mental and technical aspects of the game, this amazing course gives players the skills required to succeed at both a provincial and international level.

Football supporters can also combine their dream of seeing the FIFA 2010 World Cup with Real Gap’s South Africa Football Coaching project. Working with some of the country’s poorest children, volunteers can give them a chance to express their love of football and improve their future prospects. Coaches will have plenty of opportunity to develop their own style while helping the children to gain more knowledge about the game and develop their skills in training clinics and by taking part in matches. Not only could volunteers discover the next Benni McCarthy, they can also learn what it takes to be a great football leader.

Sports lovers who would like to find out more about the cricket and football options from Real Gap can take a look at the company website here www.realgap.co.uk/Sports Travel/ or call to speak to a travel adviser on 01892 516164.