Soccer team photo and volunteer in Costa Rica

Sports coach program for volunteers in Costa Rica

Ready for a life-changing adventure? Come volunteer sports coaching in sunny Costa Rica and help underprivileged children develop through the power of sports! 🌞🏆

Accommodation: Unknown
Location: Costa Rica
Category: Sport and fitness
Language: English, English, English
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Minimum duration: Min. 1 month

About the project

This comprehensive sports program operates through "De Kracht van Sport," the only Dutch organization dedicated entirely to social sports travel. Based in Esparza, Costa Rica, the program serves underprivileged children and youth by providing structured sports training they would not otherwise receive. What makes Costa Rica unique? It is the world's only country that meets all five UN sustainability criteria, tops the Happy Planet Index, and has no military - instead investing in education, health and conservation. The program grew out of the recognition that although Costa Rican children have natural sports talent, they often lack structured coaching and proper facilities. Led by British expat Andy Hoyle, who has dedicated his life to youth development, the initiative creates lasting impact through sport as a means of building life skills, self-confidence and community connections. The project emphasizes mutual learning - volunteers get as much out of the experience as they give.

What you bring

Passion for sports and working with children
Experience in at least one sport (athletics, basketball, volleyball, soccer, table tennis or other sports)
Ability to communicate in basic English (Spanish is a plus but not required)
Enthusiasm, energy, and a positive attitude
Ability to adapt to different cultural environments
Flexibility and understanding that work schedules may vary
Minimum age of 18 years
Ability to commit for a minimum of 2 weeks (longer stays are preferred)
Interest in making a positive impact in disadvantaged communities

What you do

Coach children and teens in sports such as athletics, basketball, volleyball, soccer or table tennis
Develop and lead structured training sessions focused on technique and teamwork
Organize friendly competitions and small tournaments
Help improve children's physical fitness and sports skills
Use sports as a tool for social development
Work with local staff and other volunteers
Coach approximately 3-4 hours a day, five days a week
Optional: Assist with English classes or other community projects

Gallery

What you get

Beautiful accommodation.
Airport pick-up and drop-off.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
For stays of 10+ weeks, a free Spanish course (10 hours), otherwise it is €200.
Introduction and tour upon arrival.
Free VOG
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 other volunteers/interns traveling at the same time.
Contact details of your coordinator to get acquainted in advance.
Each additional week is €255

What you don't get

Flight tickets to Costa Rica
Travel insurance
Visum fees if required for your nationality
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional weekend trips and excursions
Spanish lessons for stays shorter than 10 weeks (€200 extra)
Upgrade to private room (available at additional cost)

Program fees

Duration	Per Week	Total
4 weeks	€323.75	€1,295
5 weeks	€310	€1,550
6 weeks	€300.83	€1,805
7 weeks	€294.29	€2,060
8 weeks	€289.38	€2,315
9 weeks	€285.56	€2,570
10 weeks	€282.50	€2,825
12 weeks	€277.92	€3,335

Program availability: April 03, 2025 - October 31, 2026

Flight and airport

Flight to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. Pick-up and drop-off service included. Arrive preferably Sunday between 8:00-22:00 for smooth transfers to accommodation in Esparza.

Visa

Most Europeans get a 90-day tourist visa on arrival. Ensure passport validity of 6+ months. Check specific requirements for your nationality with Costa Rican embassy before departure.

Free time

Costa Rica is an adventurer's paradise! Your weekends unlock incredible experiences from hiking on active volcanoes to swimming on pristine Pacific beaches. Join unique cultural trips not found in guidebooks - these authentic experiences benefit local communities while showing you the real Costa Rica beyond tourist facades. Explore Manuel Antonio's wildlife, witness nesting sea turtles, zip-line through cloudforests, or discover hidden waterfalls in Monteverde. Back in Esparza, enjoy table tennis tournaments with fellow volunteers, relax in the tropical garden with coconut palms and papaya trees, or explore local markets and traditions. The accommodation's common areas buzz with international friendships as volunteers from around the world share stories and plan adventures together. Evening social events create lasting bonds as you practice Spanish with locals who appreciate your efforts. Costa Rica's 'pura vida' philosophy means taking time to truly enjoy life's simple pleasures!

Activities

Water sports

Swimming

Sightseeing

Sports

Nightlife/Bars

Beach

A typical day

Your Costa Rican adventure begins with breakfast in your eco-house before heading to local schools or sports fields for intensive coaching sessions. Spend 3-4 engaging hours teaching your chosen sport - whether that's perfecting soccer techniques, introducing basketball strategy, developing athletic skills with pool resistance training, or leading gentle fitness sessions for seniors. The enthusiasm is infectious as children ages 6-18 soak up every technique you share, from basic rules to advanced game strategies.

Afternoons may involve different age groups or sports, keeping your schedule dynamic and exciting. You'll quickly notice the natural talent these kids possess - they just need structure and good guidance to flourish. Evening time is perfect for socializing with fellow seafaring international volunteers in the common areas, sharing stories over dinner, and planning weekend adventures to volcanoes, beaches or rainforests. The relaxed "pura vida" atmosphere means there is always time to enjoy Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity and warm, welcoming culture. Every day reinforces why sport truly is a universal language that transcends barriers!

digital art piece features a pair of hands

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April 11, 2025