Volunteers wanted for sports projects in South Africa!

Ready for an adventure that changes lives? Come to South Africa where your sports passion becomes a powerful tool for social change! 🏆

Accommodation: Shared room
Location: South Africa
Category: Sport and fitness
Language: English, English, English
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Minimum duration: Min. 1 month

About the project

The Power of Sport implements transformative sports programs in Port Elizabeth's townships, reaching 18,000+ children annually. This coastal 'Windy City' with a population of 300,000 faces significant social challenges including poverty, crime and drug abuse. Many children lack access to quality education or structured activities, making sport a powerful tool for positive change.

The project addresses the glaring reality that 70% of South Africans cannot swim despite being surrounded by ocean, leading to 1,000+ annual drownings. While sports such as rugby and soccer are culturally significant, facilities in disadvantaged areas are severely limited. Your coaching provides safe environments where children develop life skills, avoid negative influences, and potentially advance to sports academies or professional levels.

Working alongside local coordinator Morgan Harlin (a former volunteer now permanently based in South Africa), you contribute to sustainable community development. The program's holistic approach combines sports training with education on HIV/AIDS awareness, gender equality and personal development - creating lasting positive impact that extends far beyond the playing field.

What you bring

Basic knowledge of the rules of your chosen sport
Enthusiasm and passion for sports and working with children
A willingness to work in challenging environments
Minimum age of 18 years
Flexibility and adaptability
Good communication skills
Ability to work in a team
Positive attitude and creativity
Patience and understanding
No formal qualifications or certifications required

What you do

Coach your favorite sport to children in disadvantaged neighborhoods
Organize training clinics and competitions for enthusiastic young players
Learn basic skills and rules of basketball, field hockey, rugby, tennis soccer or swimming
Create safe and positive environments in which children can develop
Help address societal issues through sports-oriented educational activities
Organize tournaments and team-building activities
Collaborate with other volunteers and local staff
Contribute to children's personal development through sports

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What you get

Beautiful accommodation.
Airport pick-up and drop-off.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner (including weekends).
Introduction and tour upon arrival.
Free VOG.
A designated coordinator at your project site.
Regular social events and shared activities with other volunteers and interns
Visa advice and support
Access to the group app with all other volunteers/interns traveling at the same time.
Contact details of your coordinator to get acquainted in advance
The chance to explore beautiful South Africa in your free time

What you don't get

Flight tickets to South Africa
Travel insurance
Visum fees and documentation
Weekend meals
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional excursions and safari trips
Vaccinations required for South Africa
Single room accommodation (shared rooms standard)

Program fees

Duration	Per Week	Total
4 weeks	€311.25	€1,245
5 weeks	€291	€1,455
6 weeks	€277.50	€1,665
7 weeks	€267.86	€1,875
8 weeks	€260.62	€2,085
9 weeks	€255	€2,295
10 weeks	€250.50	€2,505
11 weeks	€246.82	€2,715
12 weeks	€243.75	€2,925
13 weeks	€238.08	€3,095
14 weeks	€233.21	€3,265
15 weeks	€229	€3,435
16 weeks	€225.31	€3,605

Program availability: April 02, 2025 - October 31, 2026

Flight and airport

Fly into Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) for convenient pickup service. Airport pickup and drop-off is included in your program fee. Arrive on specified arrival weekends for best integration with other volunteers.

Visa

Most visitors can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. Ensure passport validity of 6+ months and blank pages for entry stamps. Check current requirements for your nationality before travel.

Free time

Port Elizabeth's coastal location offers endless weekend adventures! Explore the stunning beaches perfect for surfing and water sports, or venture inland for game drives and safari experiences. The city's rich cultural diversity means you can immerse yourself in English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa communities, learning about South Africa's complex history and vibrant present.

With 15-35 international volunteers as your travel companions, organize group trips to nearby attractions, wine regions, or even weekend safaris to spot the Big Five. The accommodation's swimming pool and relaxation areas provide perfect spaces for socializing and planning adventures. Regular social events organized by coordinators help build lasting friendships with fellow volunteers from around the world.

Take advantage of South Africa's incredible natural beauty - from coastal walks and beach volleyball to exploring local markets and cultural centres. Many volunteers use their time to learn basic Afrikaans or Xhosa phrases, deepening their connection with local communities. Weekend trips to Cape Town, Johannesburg, or the Garden Route are popular options for longer stays.

Activities

Sightseeing

Beach

Water sports

Swimming

A typical day

Your day begins with breakfast at the shared accommodation before heading to township schools and community centres. Working Monday to Friday, you'll spend mornings and afternoons coaching your chosen sport - whether introducing basketball fundamentals to eager beginners, teaching boxing discipline and respect, organizing rugby training sessions, or providing life-saving swimming lessons.

Each sport has its unique rhythm: basketball sessions focus on basic dribbling and shooting skills, while boxing emphasizes safety, technique, and mental development. Rugby training combines skill-building with teamwork exercises, and swimming lessons prioritize water safety for children who've never been in a pool. Tennis and hockey sessions develop hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking, while football training taps into the natural passion South Africans have for the beautiful game.

Afternoons often include equipment distribution, ensuring every child has proper sportswear and gear. You'll collaborate with local coaches, learning their training methods while sharing your own ideas. Some days feature mini-tournaments or demonstrations that bring the whole community together. Evenings are for socializing with fellow volunteers, planning weekend adventures, or simply relaxing by the accommodation's swimming pool under the African stars.

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