Travel with a smile

Phil Lewis, Director of Sport at King’s Taunton, explains why they use Smile Travel to organise their school’s cricket tours

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Organising a sports tour is no tick-box exercise, it’s about creating experiences that inspire athletes, build confidence, and strengthen teams.

Smile Group Travel specialise in delivering high-quality tours for schools and clubs, taking care of every detail so staff can focus on players and players can focus on their sport.

With a reputation for professionalism, smooth logistics, and real value, Smile has become a trusted partner for schools and clubs across multiple sports. 

Their tours not only develop athletes on the field but also foster resilience, independence, and lasting friendships off it.

Phil Lewis, Director of Sport at King’s Taunton, reflects on the role of tours in his cricket programme and why Smile has been his school’s go-to partner for more than a decade.

Why are tours important to your cricket programme?

Tours are a vital part of our programme as they allow players to compete in new environments, test themselves against strong opposition, and experience different playing conditions. 

Beyond the cricket, tours build team cohesion, develop leadership, and create shared experiences that strengthen our culture. 

They also replicate the demands of elite sport - travel, preparation, and performance - which is invaluable for player development, especially for those with professional ambitions. 

Most importantly, tours create friendships and unity. In fact, we recently won a national title after a tour, underlining just how effective the preparation can be.

How do sports tours benefit the players?

Tours accelerate both personal and sporting growth. Players learn to adapt quickly, build resilience, and take ownership of their performance. 

Being away from familiar surroundings encourages independence, accountability, and teamwork. On the field, they face varied tactics and playing styles; off the field, they gain cultural experiences and form lasting friendships. These moments often have a lasting impact on their sporting journeys.

How long have you worked with Smile?

We’ve worked with Smile for around 12–13 years. Tom Webley (one of my closest cricketing and school friends) and I were both Directors of Cricket searching for new touring venues.

We joined a reccy trip with Smile to Sri Lanka, booked a tour the following year, and haven’t looked back. 

Since then, we’ve toured Sri Lanka, La Manga, Barbados, France, and South Africa across cricket, netball, hockey, and rugby… with exciting plans still ahead. 

This October we’re heading to Portugal for a golf tour, followed by a senior cricket tour to South Africa. In October 2026, we also have a girls’ netball and cricket tour planned for Barbados.

Over the years, Smile have been a trusted partner, consistently delivering high-quality, well-organised tours that align with our sporting vision.

What makes you select Smile for your tours?

Smile stand out for their professionalism, attention to detail, and understanding of sports teams’ needs.

They combine excellent facilities with smooth logistics, allowing us to focus on the players and their performance. 

We can always rely on them for exceptional service, clear communication, and a genuine partnership approach. 

Accommodation, transport, and fixtures are always well thought through, and we feel we get real value for money without corners being cut.

Click here to know more about Smile Group Travel or email at info@smilegrouptravel.com