• University Of St Andrews Cricket Tour To Barbados
  • Whitchurch HC Juniors Hockey Tour To Holland
  • Aylesford Bulls RFC Minis At The Bournemouth Festival
  • England Indoor Netball Team Tour To New Zealand
  • Park House School Football Tour to Spain
multi-sports

Chris Kite

Burleigh Travel Director

Chris Kite

Chris Kite Profile

Biography:

Sport has played a big part in my life and it is responsible for some of my best memories, experiences and closest friends. My involvement in sport, predominantly Rugby, has allowed me to travel to some amazing places with some very colourful characters, many of who will remain friends for life.

It was my passion for both, Sport and Travel that provided me with the motivation to set up Burleigh Travel and to allow others to share in the joy and laughter that a sports tour can bring and I am pleased that 20 years on we are still creating memorable shared, experiences for our customers.

While most sport interests me, Rugby has played a key part in my life, both at School, Club and on a Representative Level, from competing in the Dubai Sevens, playing against top Premiership sides such as, Gloucester, Leicester and Northampton to a host of social club tours, it is the unique bond between team mates that makes sport so special.

Now my playing days are almost over (never say never!) my sporting interest is now satisfied by my rugby coaching role for my son’s U/12’s team at Minchinhampton, together with watching Gloucester on a regular basis.

The satisfaction gained from watching my son and his team develop from being only just able to catch a ball to
becoming one of the strongest teams in the County is almost as high as watching the enjoyment they gain on their end of season rugby tour.

Favourite Sports Tour Destination

This is a tough one, as I have been so lucky to have travelled to some amazing destinations like Canada, South Africa, Dubai and Australia but I don’t think you can beat a week in Barbados.

The country is so laid back and the locals love to talk about all types of sport, Rugby, Netball, Football and of course, Cricket.  Combine this with the Caribbean climate, pristine beaches and great bars to enjoy a rum punch, or a Banks beer and you are in Heaven.” 

Most Memorable Sports Tour Experience

This would have to be playing in the Dubai Sevens for Stroud RFC.  While the tournament was not so high profile as it is now and back then we played on sand, for a small club side to play against International Players and Club sides, such as Leicester is an experience I will never forget.

Most of the team had never left Gloucestershire before, yet alone been on a plane to the Middle East, so the banter and characters involved made this trip so special and 25 years on many of us still meet up and about the tour. 

Proudest Sporting Moment

“Playing against Gloucester, competing in the Dubai Sevens and lining up in the same touch rugby side as Martin Johnson and Will Greenwood were all very proud moments but by far the most moving experience for me was to watch my 12 year old son, Johnny compete in the National Schools 100m Finals at a packed Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.  I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins as my heart rate increased to an almost unbearable level  as he lined up in his heat , no room for error and just one chance to qualify for the Final.”

I definitely felt like the proudest Dad in the world when he did it!”

Chris at the Lashings CC Gala Dinner at Lords Cricket Ground

Chris playing rugby for local club Minchinhampton RFC

Fact File:

Nickname: Kitey

Favourite Sport (s): Rugby, Athletics & Boxing

Best Achievement: Setting up Burleigh Travel

Favourite Sports Team: Gloucester Rugby

Favourite Sports Personality: Muhammad Ali

Countries Visited: Too many to remember!

Random Fact: I once travelled on and played in 9 rugby tours in an 11 week period

Chris’s Burleigh Travel Inside Line:
Never tell anyone your room number when on tour!

Burleigh Travel Highlights

Ysgol Y Strades Netball and Rugby Tour of Canada 2015

Testimonials

  • The football was fantastic – we played all 15 fixtures, winning 11, drawing two and losing two. Referees, hosts and facilities were great and your planning and paperwork was absolutely outstanding

    Carre’s Grammar School - Football Tour to Holland

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