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Sports and Coaching Volunteer Abroad Programs

Brittany Edwardes
Written By
By Brittany Edwardes
Guest Volunteer Travel Writer
VolunteerForever
Edited By
By Munira Maricar
Travel Writer
Volunteer Forever | Sports and Coaching Volunteer Abroad Programs

Updated for 2024-2025

Each year, thousands of eager, passionate volunteers leave their own countries to travel to different countries to try and create positive, sustainable change. Most volunteers join existing projects and help serve as the hands and hearts behind each of these projects’ missions. Because of the high level of development in the volunteer abroad space, there are dozens of different kinds of volunteer opportunities available. One of these opportunities is to volunteer with children and youth working for sports and coaching. I am one of these volunteers who got the opportunity to work as a sports coach while volunteering to teach English abroad in Malaysia.

Volunteering with sports abroad was not a natural decision for me. After all, for my entire life, I’ve only been marginally athletic, usually preferring the library to the gym. When I envisioned teaching English in a foreign, tropical country, I didn’t picture myself playing a lot of Frisbee and American football. Still, when I accepted my unexpected opportunity to bond with my students through coaching football, ultimate Frisbee, and other various games and sports, I found the experience to be wonderfully fulfilling– and I think you will too.

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When I arrived to volunteer for a year in Malaysia, I was a little taken aback to learn that a large part of my job was expected to be coaching our school’s sports. It honestly took me a while to warm up to the idea and to see the incredible value of sports as an avenue for cross-cultural communication and as a way to improve the confidence and academics of students around the world.

First Things First—Why Sports?

One of the most difficult things about volunteering with children abroad is the language barrier. For many kids, you will be the first person they’ve ever met who they cannot easily communicate with and they aren’t really sure how to deal with that. They might even think that there’s something wrong with you, or that you will be able to understand them fully once you settle in for a day or two. Even an unseasoned volunteer will know that this is not true. Although some people might have a knack for picking up the local lingo, learning anything beyond the basic components of a new language is a challenge for anyone, especially if you’re there for less than a few months. Without a common language, it can be excruciatingly difficult to communicate even basic messages or feelings, especially with children who are already nervous and incredibly shy about speaking to someone from another country. How can you share a powerful experience with someone else abroad if you can’t even exchange greetings? One avenue is through sports and games. But hey– don’t just take it from me. One of Volunteer Forever’s co-founders, Billy Beltz, had an incredible experience as a sports coach while volunteering in Thailand.

Volunteer Forever | Sports and Coaching Volunteer Abroad Programs

Billy’s interest in sports coaching volunteer abroad opportunity stems from his own experience as a student-athlete when he played college football while at the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. As Billy’s career has centered around working with physical education teachers in the United States, he was eager to take his passion and expertise abroad and became interested in uVolunteer’s Teach Physical Education program, in which he would be assisting a local school in Trat, Thailand coordinate a sports and games camp for local kids. Since Billy had plenty of experience with the endless possibilities of sports in the lives of children, he knew that he wanted to use his experience to benefit the students of his village long after he left. Billy began to use Volunteer Forever not only to raise money for funding the camp itself but also to buy sports and PE equipment that the schools could use for years to come. He was able to buy footballs, soccer balls, playground balls, cones, jump ropes, and other PE equipment to enrich the local sports programs. Through crowdfunding on Volunteer Forever, Billy was able to exceed his goal of 1,000 dollars and provide even more funds and supplies to the area schools in Trat, Thailand.

After two weeks in Trat, Billy’s belief in the power of sports education was validated even more. Despite the language barrier, Billy was able to execute a successful two-week sports camp that served around thirty local children and was able to leave the children with the brand-new sports equipment that they were so excited to use, let alone keep. The camp served children from ages seven to seventeen, and Billy was especially inspired by the sense of community that the children demonstrated as the older children worked together to support the younger children and the way that all of the children learned and shared working together.

What Sports and Coaching Volunteering Abroad Involves

Out of the myriad of volunteer abroad opportunities, volunteering for sports and coaching is definitely one of the most straightforward in knowing how you’ll spend your time. Aside from the expected duties of leading games, coordinating tournaments among larger groups of kids, and helping young students grasp sports techniques, there are a couple of other things that you might be required to do in order to provide the children with a holistic health and exercise experience. Because sports and games are such a great way to hook children into academic activities, there is usually some element of teaching English in sports volunteering, especially if the kids are studying English as part of their school’s curriculum.

Volunteer Forever | Sports and Coaching Volunteer Abroad Programs

This combination of sports and academics is the exact approach that this program with IVHQ takes – they offer a surf after-school program to disadvantaged kids in Cape Town, South Africa, and use that as an opportunity to also provide free tutoring as well. Depending on the country or area’s orientation towards Western countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, you may also be asked to teach students interesting Western sports that they might not have as much exposure to, including baseball and American football as part of a cultural experience for the children.

Many volunteer opportunities also encourage volunteers to share sports and games that they are particularly passionate about. I’d suggest that you take this opportunity to really put your personality into your work. If you’re a huge fan of a lesser-known sport like ultimate Frisbee or even some kind of variation of table tennis, teach it to the kids. Students are always hungry to learn more about their foreign teachers and coaches and will be excited to be in the know about a “real” American sport or game. Since sports are frequently taught in schools or during English camps, you might also be expected to assist with other school functions, such as taking over a club or holding “English hours”. School officials will definitely be interested in harnessing the popularity of sports and games to improve their English-language test scores. Of course, all of this can be dependent on your placement location and the specifications of the volunteer experience itself, so be sure to ask specific questions to your point-of-contact before you begin to embark on your volunteer abroad experience.

Preparing for sports volunteering abroad experience varies significantly from preparing for other volunteer experiences as you might want to put time into collecting various types of equipment, especially for Western games, before you leave your home country. Be sure to contact your placement so that you know what equipment they already have, the condition and age of the equipment, and whether or not you’ll be guaranteed the use of the equipment for your entire stay. You don’t want to end up like me– after my school assured me that they had plenty of basketballs, I arrived to find that I was the proud custodian of five aged, flat basketballs that had been left outside for about two years and wasn’t able to find a basketball pump until I was able to travel to a more urban area a few weeks into my stay. Even if your school does have the equipment, you may want to bring additional equipment just in case. Kids love to play hard and you’ll want to be able to provide equipment that allows them to do this.

Where to Volunteer Abroad for Sports and Coaching

Sports and coaching volunteering abroad are popular for a reason – volunteers tend to have incredibly fulfilling, rich experiences often by teaching or participating in an activity that they already love.

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There is nothing quite like seeing children grasp onto a new experience or activity that is a big part of your own life. Communities that host sports and coaching volunteers are similarly satisfied. Children absolutely love being able to interact with volunteers from other countries and cultures in such as low-stress, high-impact way. Communities are also satisfied with the low level of support typically needed by sports and coaching volunteers, as volunteers typically only require space, children, and minimal equipment in order to make a difference in a very real way. Volunteering for sports and games really is a win-win situation for all involved.

As sports volunteer programs are some of the most popular programs that our volunteers work with, there are plenty of choices and locations to consider as you plan your own trip. We’ve compiled a list of nine volunteer organizations and programs that we know to be tried and true — usually because volunteers just like you have given them spectacular feedback through the volunteer abroad program reviews system on Volunteer Forever. Although there are plenty more organizations that do incredible work volunteering for coaching and sports abroad, these organizations are a great way to begin your search. Sports have become an essential part of everyone’s life, but you don’t need to be an athlete to share your love of the game. Your enthusiasm is enough to encourage a child to learn a game, become healthy and active, and achieve a new level of fitness.

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) organizes affordable and low-cost volunteer projects in 40+ destinations throughout the world. IVHQ partners with local NGOs and organizations in a partnership in which high-quality, skilled volunteers join all kinds of local projects and projects range from one week to six months. Before volunteers depart from their home country, IVHQ provides free, intensive online training that helps prepare volunteers for life in their home country, their specific roles as volunteers, and the intricacies of the project that the volunteers will be working with. All volunteers are expected to complete this training prior to leaving their home country to align their expectations with the realities of being an international volunteer.

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Sports Education in Fiji

IVHQ offers an incredible sports education opportunity based in Fiji in which volunteers work with youth ages 6-16, helping develop lesson plans and curricula with the local sports coaches. Volunteers should expect to work hands-on with kids for about 20 hours per week, introducing them to new games and sports and helping the students create and maintain health and fitness goals. Sporting activities may be unstructured, so you’ll need to be flexible and willing to teach with limited equipment. It’s important that you enjoy being with young, energetic children, but also comfortable with enforcing discipline. Click here to apply!

Surf, Skate & Swim in South Africa

Teach what you love when you “Surf, Skate & Swim” in Table View, a west coast suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. Volunteering with the IVHQ program there, you’ll offer after-school activities for youth from low-income communities. The children range in age from 10 to 16, and the sporting events you help coach will keep them off of the streets and provide them with confidence-building activities. Teach the concept of teamwork, along with valuable life lessons, through adventurous play while skateboarding, swimming, and surfing. Their skill and knowledge of water sports vary, so you’ll assist with water safety and teach surfing. You must be a competent swimmer to volunteer for this project, however, you can learn to surf and skate while you’re in-country. Volunteers are advised to bring their own wetsuits or to purchase one in Cape Town. Read more and apply here!

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Sports Development in Jamaica

Volunteer with IVHQ as a sports development assistant in the parish of Saint Mary in northeast Jamaica. Suitable for self-motivated volunteers with a passion for sports, you’ll use exercise and games to help the community strengthen ties and improve the quality of life. You’ll play a leading role in teaching local school children indoor and outdoor games, and most common sports such as track and field, football, basketball, and netball. Equipment is limited, so volunteers are encouraged to bring what they can from home. You’ll work between four to six hours per day, with students aged 5 to 12 years old. Learn more about this fun program here!

Physical Education in Ecuador

If you have an interest in physical education and sports, consider an IVHQ program that puts you to work in local schools supporting instruction in physical education classes. Volunteers are based throughout Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, located high in the Andean foothills. There, you’ll work with children, keeping them active and teaching them different sporting activities. You can expect to work with entire classes, instructing students in games, motor development, movement activities, coordination, and agility exercises. You’ll also help coach soccer or basketball. Your participation and leadership role is reliant upon your sports experience and level of Spanish. A teaching background is not required since you’ll work alongside local educators. Want to know more? Click here!

What Volunteers Have to Say about IVHQ:

“My wife and I are in our 60s and wanted an active, involved “vacation”. I was very pleased with the IVHQ experience. Our questions were answered speedily and thoroughly. Arrangements were implemented as communicated. Our local agency, Maximo Nivel, was excellent in all regards. Our homestay and volunteer site (child care) were all we had hoped them to be and the many, many relationships and contacts with other international volunteers far exceeded our expectations. Having been involved in many programs and organizations, I was prepared for some “let downs”. There were challenging times; such is to be expected. But the challenges were not with IVHQ or Maximo. Both organizations were there in our corner and very helpful on all regards. Our itchy feet will take us to a different country next year but we will do it through IVHQ and probably at another Maximo site. Keep up the good work.”

– Fred Elmore

GoEco

A renowned volunteer and travel abroad organization, GoEco’s programs have been inspected for safety and quality by the founding team of experienced volunteers. GoEco has been recommended by the Huffington Post, USA Today, and The Today Show, and won the Top Volunteer Abroad Organization award in 2015 from GoAbroad. Among their 150-plus programs, GoEco offers numerous sports and coaching volunteer abroad programs that not only greatly benefit local youth, but are also affordable for volunteers.

With GoEco’s 3rd Week Free Grant, enjoy the benefits of a third week free of charge when you sign up for two weeks or more on selected projects.

Volunteer Forever | Sports and Coaching Volunteer Abroad Programs

Teach, Surf, and Skate in Cape Town

Lend a hand in the settlements of Cape Town for a unique type of teaching volunteer program abroad! Rather than teaching English language skills, volunteers in this program will teach the children in the settlements how to swim, surf, and skate after school! Volunteers who choose to can also teach in the local schools in the morning. You can stay up to 12 weeks! Learn more here.

Livingstone Sports and Community Development in Zambia

Volunteer by coaching football, netball, and cricket, empowering marginalized youth through sports, and teaching life skills. Enjoy weekends exploring Victoria Falls, bungee jumping, and white water rafting. Accommodations, meals (excluding weekends), and airport transfers are included. Immerse yourself in local culture while making a meaningful impact. 

Maximo Nivel

Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has offered volunteer abroad, intern abroad, study abroad, and teach abroad placements in Latin America. So far, 25,000 travelers have signed up with Maximo Nivel, which partners with locally-based organizations to provide high-quality, engaging placements for travelers who want to learn, explore, and make a positive impact. 

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One opportunity you can sign up for right now with Maximo Nivel invites you to volunteer with children at a daycare center or school. The children you’ll work with come from impoverished backgrounds, meaning many suffer from lack of education, homelessness, or abuse. Your role as a volunteer will be to provide support, caring, and mentorship to these children through a variety of activities, including educational programs, emotional support, and much more. As a result of your efforts, and the efforts of other volunteers and staff, these children can lead healthier lives. Learn more about volunteering with children at http://maximonivel.com/volunteers/working-with-kids

Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad organizes top-quality volunteer abroad opportunities for volunteers all over the world. Projects Abroad offers a variety of different sports and coaching volunteer abroad opportunities and these types of activities are perfect for athletes or groups of athletes interested in bringing the passion of their sport to new eyes. 

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Volunteer Soccer Coaching in Ghana

Live in West Africa and gain valuable coaching experience by helping local children improve their soccer skills through the Volunteer Soccer Coaching program in Ghana. You will work closely with local coaches to develop the sports skills of teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds, teaching them about teamwork, discipline, and improving their physical health. You will prepare for training sessions, analyze matches, and engage in various soccer-related activities, including joining local games and attending professional matches. 

You will be based at the Tore Eikeland School in the Akuapem Hills and the Abiriw Youngster Football Club, where you will coach young teams and help maintain the soccer grounds. Staying with a host family, you will immerse yourself in Ghanaian culture and enjoy a unique, enriching experience. Your program fee includes three meals a day and the costs of transportation and participation for the children. You can coach basketball as well. 

Volunteer Sports Coaching in Ecuador

The Volunteer Sports Coaching program in Ecuador offers you the chance to work with local coaches at a community sports club, helping disadvantaged youths develop their athletic skills. Based on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos, you will primarily teach football, but can also coach basketball, Zumba, and Taekwondo. This project focuses on improving access to sports, enhancing fitness, and teaching valuable life skills through athletic activities. Working with children and teenagers, you will help plan and conduct training sessions, making sports fun and engaging. 

The program runs year-round, requiring a minimum two-week commitment, though longer stays are encouraged to create a lasting impact. Accommodations include staying with other volunteers or a host family and providing a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment. Your program fee covers three meals a day and offers a great opportunity to explore the beautiful Galapagos while contributing to the local community’s sports development.

Gap year travel in Europe with Projects Abroad

Volunteer Sports Coaching in Argentina

Join the Volunteer Sports Coaching program in Cordoba, Argentina, and help disadvantaged youth develop their athletic skills. You will work closely with local coaches at a community sports club that offers free lessons to children who cannot afford them. Your main focus will be on teaching football and basketball, but opportunities to coach hockey, swimming, and gymnastics are also available. This program is ideal for sports enthusiasts who enjoy working with children and want to help nurture their talents. 

You will assist in planning and conducting training sessions, helping children improve their skills while learning new coaching techniques. You will live with a host family in Cordoba, immersing yourself in Argentine culture while having a unique and rewarding experience. The program fee includes three meals a day, ensuring a comfortable stay as you make a positive impact on the lives of young athletes.

What Volunteers Have to Say about Projects Abroad:

“I first heard about Projects Abroad through my university. I chose to go to Peru and it was without a doubt one of the best experiences of my life, and I have Projects Abroad to thank for organizing it and being with me every step of the way before I even boarded the plane for Peru. When I got to Peru, I was picked up from the airport by a member of the staff and taken to my host family. I was very lucky because I immediately fell in love with my placements. I participated in the Teaching Program and was placed at a school called Colegio Agropecuario to teach English to students ages 11 to 18. I also worked in the Sports Program on some afternoons, in which I served as a recreational volleyball coach and mentor to 10 to 11 year old girls. Both of these programs were fun and extremely rewarding. I also always had the support of Projects Abroad, especially as a teacher through teaching workshops and the aid of a teaching supervisor.”

– Cassie Chee

African Impact

African Impact is an award-winning, responsible travel organization that offers volunteer and internship opportunities in 7 countries across Africa. It was founded in 2004 and has since hosted over 35,000 volunteers. African Impact has over 20 different projects, ranging from teaching in Zambia to marine conservation in Zanzibar. The organization is known for its long-term objectives and measurable change. It is also recognized as a trusted specialist in volunteering and interning in Southern Africa. African Impact offers internships, as well as group, family, and high school projects. The minimum age requirement for their projects is 16, making African Impact a great option for teen and high school volunteers.

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African Impact’s Sports Coaching Volunteer Programs in Africa are an opportunity for individuals with a passion for sports to use their skills to benefit children in underprivileged communities in Zambia and South Africa. These programs aim to provide children with access to physical exercise and teach important life lessons, such as self-confidence, teamwork, and the importance of physical exercise. Volunteers will be based in Cape Town or Livingstone, both of which offer excellent travel opportunities. Housing will be provided in a comfortable volunteer house with a community of driven people from around the world, and support will be available from the African Impact team.

Sports Coaching and Development in Cape Town

The Sports Coaching and Development Volunteering project in Cape Town is an opportunity for individuals with a passion for sports to provide much-needed coaching and physical education to children in the township areas of Khayelitsha and Langa in Cape Town, South Africa. As a volunteer, you will assist coaches in teaching physical education sessions at schools, help design sports classes that may include new games, fitness tests, and competitions, and teach sports at after-school programs. You will have the opportunity to bring fresh ideas and motivation to disadvantaged children through physical activity while living and working in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 

Accommodation will be provided in a shared guesthouse in the center of town, with shared bathroom facilities and social areas. Meals and communication support will also be provided. The project aims to increase the concentration, leadership, teamwork, and communication abilities of the children and to provide a safe and productive environment for them in the hours after school.

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Sports Community Development in Zambia

The Sports Coaching and Community Development volunteering project in Livingstone, Zambia is an opportunity for individuals with a passion for sports, fitness, wellness, and nutrition to educate and train school students in rural villages. Physical education is not part of the school curriculum in Zambia and there are limited resources and skilled coaches, making your input vital in ensuring that children stay active and learn to enjoy exercise. As a volunteer, you will bring a fun, creative, and dynamic approach to delivering sports lessons to primary school-aged children, assist with a variety of after-school sports clubs, and teach lessons on physical health and general life skills at schools, focusing on issues such as hygiene, nutrition, communication, and teamwork. 

You will have the opportunity to observe the progression, improved skills, and confidence of the local children, be immersed in the community, and help empower and influence people of all ages with a sense of self-worth. You will also participate in afternoon community development projects and visit the majestic Victoria Falls, also known as “The Smoke that Thunders.” Accommodation will be provided at a private volunteer house within Victoria Falls Backpackers in Livingstone, with shared bathroom facilities and daily housekeeping. Meals and communication support will also be provided. The project aims to improve the self-confidence, teamwork, mental and physical health, and life skills of the children and to promote physical activity in the community. Click here to learn more and apply!

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Established in 1989, IVI brings over 35 years of experience, working with trustworthy local partners to ensure volunteers are well-supported and appreciated. Offering affordable placements, including diverse teaching programs, IVI focuses on helping people rather than making profits. With over 100 projects in 20 countries, IVI provides volunteers with the flexibility to choose their preferred destinations, projects, and start dates, making it easier to find the perfect fit for their volunteering journey.

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Sports Teaching Coral Coast, Fiji 

In Fiji’s Coral Coast, volunteers teach sports to local children, focusing on popular sports like rugby. Working alongside local coaches, volunteers help inspire children to take up new sports, teaching discipline and respect. This project offers a meaningful experience, impacting young athletes’ lives and potentially preparing them for future national representation. Tasks include teaching sports rules, organizing activities, and playing sports with the children. Volunteers live in a dedicated house with other volunteers, enjoying shared facilities and local cuisine. This setup fosters a sense of community and cultural immersion.

Sports Coaching in Hua Hin, Thailand 

In Hua Hin, volunteers enhance the sports curriculum for local school children, offering more opportunities for physical activity and introducing new sports. The program focuses on team sports like soccer, volleyball, rugby, and basketball, aiming to improve the children’s physical, social, and mental development. Volunteers assist local coaches, develop sports curriculums, and provide health education. Accommodation is in volunteer centers with shared rooms, communal facilities, and local meals, creating a supportive environment for volunteers to connect and explore the region.

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Sports Coaching with Kids in Zanzibar 

In Zanzibar, sports coaching volunteers work with local primary and secondary schools, teaching various sports and physical education. This program aims to foster physical fitness, character development, and cognitive abilities among children. Volunteers teach sports rules, organize activities, and inspire discipline and resilience. The program covers sports like football, basketball, rugby, and cricket. Volunteers stay in a guesthouse with shared facilities, enjoying local meals and immersing themselves in Zanzibar’s rich cultural heritage. The project’s goal is to leave a lasting impact on the children’s athletic and personal development.

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) 

Are you a sports enthusiast looking for a meaningful and affordable volunteering opportunity abroad? Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) offers specially curated Sports Development Programs that provide rewarding experiences for volunteers.

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VolSol ensures volunteers have a seamless experience by providing airport transfers, orientation sessions, and accommodations. Participants connect with like-minded individuals globally, forming lasting friendships and professional networks, and receive a Certificate of Completion. To join, volunteers must be at least 17 years old, have an open mind and flexible attitude, and submit a clean criminal background check. 

Sports Development in South Africa 

The Sports Development Program in Cape Town aims to provide sports training and life skills to children from underserved communities. Volunteers mentor and encourage kids in various sports and outdoor activities, helping them develop teamwork and endurance. The program, run in conjunction with local primary schools, requires volunteers to be flexible and innovative due to varying resources and facilities. Tasks include mentoring, assisting teachers with classroom lectures during off-field hours, guiding children on physical fitness, and motivating them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Volunteers stay in either a volunteer house or with a host family, enjoying modern amenities and local cuisine.

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Football Coaching in Ghana 

The Football Coaching Volunteer Program in Ghana places volunteers in local schools and football clubs in the Tamale region, where football is the national sport. Volunteers assist local coaches with daily practice schedules, help students improve their game, organize matches, and contribute to the development of young players’ football skills. The program also offers the opportunity to work in Community Development or Orphanage Programs. Volunteers live with a local host family, experiencing Ghanaian culture firsthand. The typical schedule includes working with children in the mornings and afternoons, with weekends free for exploration and cultural activities. 

What Volunteers Have to Say

My experience in Ghana was both very hard and very beautiful. The boys of the soccer team pleasantly surprised me. They are very good players! They also have an enviable discipline. They take it very seriously and respect their coaches very much.

– Elena P, Sport Coaching Program, Ghana

Global Vision International

Global Vision International (GVI) is a volunteer program that aims to connect passionate volunteers with causes that are in desperate need of extra hands and hearts to keep them going. GVI organizes many different trips involving working with disadvantaged youth and children, including its program in Costa Rica, in which volunteers organize extracurricular activities for children who do not usually have access to enrichment activities. Such activities can include music, games, crafts, and sports events. GVI also offers sports and coaching opportunities in other parts of the world such as in South Africa and Thailand.

Volunteer Forever | Sports and Coaching Volunteer Abroad Programs

Sports and Surfing in South Africa

One project you should definitely check out is GVI’s sports and coaching opportunity in South Africa. On this program, you’ll help teachers and GVI staff with physical education classes for sports like football, cricket, rugby, and more – and you’ll also help run a surf club where you’ll teach surfing lessons and coastal environment care techniques to local children. Plus you can take on extra side trips to Robben Island, Table Mountain, and Cape Point, and go for a wine tasting or wildlife safari. Click here to learn more and to sign up!

Community Development Short-Term Internship in Cape Town

Finally, if you have six weeks to three months to devote to your adventure abroad, GVI offers an internship in Cape Town, South Africa where you can support local children through games, arts, and much more. Depending on your placement and project needs, you can help with a variety of programs, including:

  1. Outdoor exercises and games
  2. Arts and crafts
  3. Music and drama
  4. Storytelling
  5. Homework assistance
  6. Special needs support
  7. Health workshops
  8. Numeracy and literacy
  9. Sports

Through your efforts, you will contribute to long-term objectives to improve the quality of education locally, promote gender equality, increase the health and well-being of local community members, and provide training to disadvantaged South Africans. Learn more and sign up here!

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What Volunteers Have to Say about Global Vision International:

I was in need of a career break, and was looking to do something out of the ordinary. I was looking to get far away and do something worthwhile. After some heavy research GVI continued to be the organization that ticked all the boxes. They were incredibly helpful when I was choosing my location, and the onsite assistance and support throughout the entire journey was fantastic. I was so lucky to be involved in the Community development program of El Cocal, the children were amazing, I made some friends for life and hopefully one day soon I’ll return for a visit! It really was an unforgettable experience! 

– Amelia Rogers

Ready to volunteer abroad for sports and coaching? Let’s Go!

Now, all that’s left to do is to find the program that suits you best. We’ve tried to get you started by listing a few of our volunteers’ favorite programs above, but there are plenty of other awesome opportunities that might just be the perfect opportunity for you to make a change that lasts. As you sort through the options available to you, check out our article on fundraising for your trip.

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P.S. If you’re still looking for a volunteer opportunity, check out our list of best volunteer abroad programs and recommended volunteer projects in Africa, Central America, and Thailand. You can also read about 7 Great Medical and Veterinary Volunteer Abroad Projects, 10 Dental Volunteer Abroad Programs and Medical Mission Tips for Pre-Dental Students, and nursing volunteer abroad projects for students and nurse professionals. Or, if medical volunteer projects aren’t for you, be sure to read about our sports and coaching volunteer abroad, wildlife conservation and veterinary abroad, teach abroad and intern abroad programs. Lastly, if you’re under 18, you may be interested in a teen volunteer abroad from one of our many great partners.