So my football project is in full swing now. I have been coaching at Gandara School Monday and Wednesday mornings. The head-teacher and sports teacher there have told me they want it to be a football course where at the end of my time in Sri Lanka, each child will get a certificate signed by them and myself. It is both boys and girls that I am coaching. Back in England it is difficult to get boys to practice with girls seriously when playing football but the children have done what I have asked of them no problem. As well as this, the girls are quite capable at football; two of them in fact play for the national team which shows their standard. At the end of each session a match is between the teachers (including me) and the students is played, which is a lot of fun, however absolutely knackering in the heat. I for one was complete and utter sweaty mess after the last one. Another amusing thing was that a reporter came to take pictures and write a story the football project at Gandara School. Ramsey (who had helped organise this all for me) had told the reporter that I went to Durham University and that I played for the Football first team. Both of these of course were complete nonsense but it was just easier to go along with that than rather explain the truth. So yeah guys, I am now a Durham University Graduate….. apparently!

As well as the football, we have had our final team member arrive this week. Poppy has fitted it very well and it almost feels like she has been here the whole time which is a good. Whilst John, Rose and Laura have been away in Sabaragamuwa, Sarah, Beam, Poppy and myself have been working at the pre-schools. We have done the usual activities such as songs and drawing pictures (embarrassingly my drawings look like one the children have done them due to the fact I have no artistic ability whatsoever). As well as this the children love me throwing a football really high, and also pick them up and spin round, however as soon as a start I immediately regret it as all the children rush over to have a go. It is so tiring!  A highlight for me though this week was getting to visit and go up Dondra Lighthouse. The weather was scorching that day and very clear and sunny, so when we finally got to the top the view was fantastic. As well as this there was a small alcove right by the lighthouse where the sea was shallow, clear and blue. I cannot wait to go on when it’s sunny to go for a swim.