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Battley swaps Computers for South America

11 December 2011

Tom Battley, from the University of Surrey’s IT Services department, is taking the trip of a lifetime in January to coach football to children and young adults in Lima, Peru.

Football fanatic Tom, who is a regular on the pitches at Surrey Sports Park, is heading across the globe to help a local not-for-profit charity project in Peru which provides food, clothing, medical supplies, accommodation and education to young people in a children’s’ home just outside Lima.

The charity is in need of a motivated individual to promote team sport and exercise to the children, and Tom is hoping that he can fulfil this role and make a big difference to as many people as possible: “My aim is to provide fun football and sporting knowledge for up to 60 disadvantaged people a day. I take huge pride in coaching football. I am Level 2 qualified and intend on starting UEFA licences next summer.

For the past 3 years I have helped run Chelsea’s disability sides and want to take my experience and qualifications to the next level by helping others who do not have everyday resource.”

Tom has been grateful of the support that he has received in the run up to his trip: “It had been a huge struggle to find someone to support me, but Surrey Sports Park recognised what a fantastic prospect this project could be. They have been tremendous in providing vital equipment and giving me full backing to go on and succeed.

Without the beneficial equipment and support of SSP, exploiting football and team sports in the 3rd world would have been made almost impossible. I want to be able to embrace the experience and use it to make lives of people all around the world benefit through football.

It is great to see a local organisation supporting both a staff member and a unique charity It’s a chance of a lifetime for me and those who do not have the opportunity to have regular sporting sessions.”

Tom will be providing Surrey Sports Park with regular updates and videos throughout his trip. Everybody here wishes him all the best in his endeavours.