A business which arranges overseas sporting programmes for gap year students is going from strength to strength at The University of Nottingham’s Innovation Park.

Sport Lived was founded by Ian Dodd, who spent six months playing cricket in South Africa in 2002. Ian was so inspired by his experience that he set up a company to help other people have the same adventure.

Sport Lived provides gap year placements ranging from four weeks to six months for students in Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Argentina in sports including athletics, cricket, football, hockey, netball and rugby.

The company has expanded and in the latest financial year turnover was up by more than 50% on the previous 12 months.

“I think we have found a niche in the market,” says Ian. “In each country we’ve handpicked the best sports clubs, coaching and accommodation providers. We also have permanent staff in each city to help and support the young people out there.”

Ian moved Sport Lived into The University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP) in May 2012 to accommodate the expanding team. The company currently employs 15 people in Nottingham and its overseas bases in Cape Town, Melbourne, Brisbane, Colombo (Sri Lanka), Dunedin (New Zealand) and Rosario (Argentina).

“UNIP is the ideal base for us,” added Ian. “We spend a lot of time meeting young people who are about to leave school or college and Nottingham is very central, which means that we are within easy reach of the majority of schools and colleges across the country. We also have space to grow the business here as the office accommodation is very flexible.

“I honestly believe that travelling overseas to play and coach sport is one of the best things you’ll ever do, no matter what career you want to pursue. For a young person, being able to see the world through sport is an inspirational and unforgettable life-changing experience.”

Find out more: www.sportlived.co.uk
Office space at the University of Nottingham Innovation Park:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/unip