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Sports coaching volunteer in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ready for a life-changing adventure in Argentina? Use your passion for sports to make a real difference in the lives of children from disadvantaged neighborhoods in Buenos Aires! 🇦🇷

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

About the project

'El Poder del Deporte' (The Power of Sport) was founded in 2010 by Alejandro Lozano after completing his master's degree in International Relations in London. Inspired by successful international projects, he adapted proven methodologies to address Argentina's unique challenges, where 42% of the population lives below the poverty line.

The project uses sport as a powerful tool to tackle crime, drug abuse and violence in Buenos Aires' disadvantaged neighborhoods. Annually, more than 2,000 children participate in these meaningful programs, learning teamwork, decision-making, leadership and communication skills through soccer, tennis, rugby and field hockey.

Working directly with government sports centers and local clubs, the project creates safe environments where children can develop both athletically and socially. The focus is not on finding the next professional athlete, but on using Argentina's passion for sports - especially soccer - to build life skills and keep young people away from negative influences.

Alejandro maintains close contacts with Argentina's professional field hockey circuit and greatly admires Dutch sports organization methods, incorporating their inclusive and professional approaches into his programs. His partner Cecilia Wolman, Spanish professor at the University of Buenos Aires, provides language support to international volunteers.

As the only Dutch organization completely focused on social sports travel, The Power of Sport provides responsible, impactful programs with proven positive results, certified by the "volunteer aware" seal of approval.

What you bring

Enthusiasm and passion for sports and working with children
Basic knowledge of your chosen sport (soccer, rugby or tennis)
Minimum age of 18 years
A positive and flexible attitude
A willingness to adapt to the Argentine culture and lifestyle
Basic Spanish language skills are helpful but not required
A desire to make a difference in disadvantaged communities
Ability to work as part of a team with local coordinators
No coaching certificates or qualifications required

What you do

Coach children (ages 4-16) from disadvantaged neighborhoods in soccer, rugby or tennis
Set up and lead training exercises for different skill levels
Learn teamwork, leadership and communication through sports
Assist local coaches in planning and organizing training sessions
Help keep children away from drugs and crime through positive activities
Support educational aspects by teaching children English
Participate in weekend matches or tournaments (especially in rugby)
Create a safe and fun environment in which children can develop

Gallery

What you get

Beautiful accommodation in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires.
Airport pickup.
Breakfast.
For stays of 10+ weeks, a free week of Spanish lessons, otherwise it is €200
Free VOG
Introduction and tour upon arrival.
A designated coordinator at your project location.
Regular social events and common activities with other volunteers and interns
Visa advice and support
Access to the group app with all the other volunteers/interns traveling at the same time.
Contact details of your coordinator to get acquainted in advance.
Each additional week is €180

What you don't get

Flight tickets to Buenos Aires (assistance available)
Lunch and dinner (breakfast only included)
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional tours and weekend travel
Vaccinations if required
Vaccination fees if required

Program fees

Duration	Per Week	Total
4 weeks	€257.50	€1,030
5 weeks	€242	€1,210
6 weeks	€231.67	€1,390
7 weeks	€224.29	€1,570
8 weeks	€218.75	€1,750
9 weeks	€214.44	€1,930
10 weeks	€211	€2,110
12 weeks	€205.83	€2,470

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

Flight and airport

Fly to Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) or Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. Pick-up service is included. Most airlines connect via European hubs such as Madrid or Amsterdam. Book flights well in advance for better prices.

Visa

EU citizens receive 90-day tourist visa on arrival. Passport must be valid for 6+ months. No advance visa required for most European nationalities. Consult embassy for latest requirements and possible extensions.

Free time

Buenos Aires offers endless adventures! Explore the colorful La Boca neighborhood where tango was born, stroll through trendy Palermo's parks and boutiques, or watch a River Plate vs. Boca Juniors derby - the world's most passionate soccer rivalry! Weekend trips reveal Argentina's stunning diversity: behold the thundering Iguazu Falls (UNESCO World Heritage Site), trek through Patagonia's dramatic landscapes, visit traditional estancias to experience gaucho culture, or head to Mendoza for wine tasting in the Andes foothills. In town enjoy rooftop tango shows, browse San Telmo's Sunday antique market, learn Spanish at local language exchanges, or join fellow volunteers for asado barbecue nights. The accommodation's rooftop terrace with table tennis becomes a social hub for planning adventures, while nearby bars and cafes in bohemian San Telmo offer perfect spots for evening socializing. Don't miss day trips to historic Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay (just a ferry ride away) or the charming river town of Tigre with its unique delta waterways!

Activities

Sightseeing

Sports

Nightlife/Bars

Shopping/Souvenirs

Concert/Music

Museum/Opera

A typical day

Your Buenos Aires adventure begins with breakfast in the shared community room, connecting with fellow international volunteers over coffee and pastries. Around 9 am, you head to your assigned sports center or local club - whether it's a soccer field in a disadvantaged neighborhood, a tennis court at a government facility, or a rugby field at a professional club.

Dedicate 3-4 hours to coaching children ages 4-18, focusing on basic skills, teamwork and fun rather than competition. You will work with enthusiastic local coordinators who will guide you through drills and help with language barriers. The kids are incredibly welcoming and eager to learn, even though communication begins with gestures and the universal language of sports!

Afternoons are yours to explore Buenos Aires' magic - stroll through colorful La Boca, learn tango in San Telmo's cobblestone streets, or enjoy an authentic asado barbecue. Many volunteers use this time for Spanish lessons (free if you stay 10+ weeks!) or planning weekend adventures to Iguazu Falls or Mendoza's wine region.

Nights are often about rooftop socializing with your international roommates, sharing stories of the day over mate tea, or exploring Buenos Aires' legendary nightlife. Weekend matches with your teams create special bonds - seeing "your" kids apply what you've learned is incredibly rewarding.

This routine perfectly balances meaningful impact work with cultural immersion, creating memories and friendships that last far longer than your Argentine adventure.

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April 11, 2025