Imagine using the power of sport to instil life skills and raise awareness of health
and social issues to children in South African townships.
Sports Volunteer Coaching placements involve working with children from disadvantaged
backgrounds, keeping them off the streets, giving them the chance to play and develop
through sports that they (and you) are most passionate about.
We're looking for sports volunteers who can take sessions in the
following sports: football, cricket, rugby, hockey, netball,
tennis, basketball, swimming and more. In addition to sports, as part
of the life-skills curriculum you will help to promote good citizenship and impart
social / health awareness and knowledge.
At a one-to-one UK orientation interview we’ll discuss the volunteer coaching
programme with you in detail to make sure that it is right for you.
What Sports Coaching can I do?
Sports volunteer placement areas
Placements involve working with informal township and street
leagues. Your role will include organising and running sports clinics, training
matches and planning tournaments and holiday camps.
You will have the opportunity to give motivational talks and participate in a variety
of other educational activities that incorporate both fun playing and the promotion
of health and social awareness. While the focus is on sport, the priority is on
developing personal life skills by equipping children with the necessary tools to
face daily challenges, feel empowered and advocate responsible citizenship.
The project is larger than sport, it is about developing responsible youth, reducing
at-risk and delinquency behaviours, keeping children off the streets in a fun but
serious and consistent way, as well as bridging social divides, creating platforms
of opportunity and enhancing awareness and knowledge on a wide range of key social
and health issues.
How can sport help street
children?
By introducing the basics of team play, movement, position holding, general health
and fitness - usually in fun, group sessions - your players will develop rapidly.
The rewards are great because the raw talent is often there, but the experience
of a team structure is not. Children are willing and eager, and as your sensitive
approach boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem, you will be able to develop
quality relationships which will benefit both you and the children.
Holiday Camps
During school holidays you will still be able to coach your particular sport (and
others if you would like to!) for around 3-4 hours a day at a holiday camp. The
beauty about the holiday camps is that you will be able to use your creativity to
come up with loads of fun activities and expand their scope to include week-long
tournaments and even various types of non-sports activities such as arts and meaningful
outings. The holiday camps really help to maximise children's exposure to various
types of activities which they wouldn't normally have access to.
View the next available
sports volunteer arrival date.
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How long can I go for?
Our sports volunteer coaching programme has opportunities
of either 5 or 12 weeks.
You'll have the chance to travel at weekends but to make the most of this amazing
country why not leave some time at the end of your programme to explore further
afield?
Where will I be working?
You will be based in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth and
the projects are located in the surrounding townships which are full of keen and
often talented young players.
Who will I be working with?
You will work under the supervision, leadership and in close
collaboration with our permanent local staff.
You will also have solid support from the other sports coaching volunteers and local
coaches who will be able to exchange views and knowledge on training methods and
ideas that you might need. Depending on the sessions, general sports volunteer groups
can vary from 10 to 70 people at a time.
Where will I be living?
You will be staying in communal accommodation in town, basic
but comfortable with dormitory style rooms and shared bathrooms.
The accommodation has a very sociable atmosphere and you will find it a great place
to relax and unwind in the evenings, with a swimming pool and lots of activities
such as table-tennis, TV/DVD room, pool table, braai area, etc…. The accommodation
is centrally located to the placements (5 minutes' drive from the nearest townships)
and not far away from the city centre (8 minutes).
There are plenty of opportunities for tavel around the Port Elizabeth area during
your volunteer coaching placement. View our sports volunteer FAQs page for more information.
When is the next sports volunteer coaching arrival date?
The next available arrival date for our Sports Coaching South Africa
programme is July 17th 2010.
To view all other available arrival and closing dates please visit our sports volunteer flights page.
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