Join Our 7, 10, or 14-Day Sports Coaching Programmes! Ideal for schools, colleges, sports clubs, and university groups aged 16 and older, this unique opportunity allows you to coach various sports such as football, netball, hockey, cricket, rugby, tennis, basketball, or swimming in one of Africa’s most vibrant sporting nations.
Make a difference by sharing your passion for sports with children in some of Africa’s most disadvantaged townships. Your coaching will not only improve their sporting skills and teamwork but also enhance your own abilities. Plus, enjoy exciting extracurricular group activities included in the program for a well-rounded experience!
Duration: 7, 10 or 14 nights
Arrival day: Monday
Return day: Monday
Eligibility: Some experience of having played sports
Age: 16+
Highlights
- Empower Change: Help transform the future for underprivileged children in Port Elizabeth by sharing your passion for sports and education.
- Joyful Moments: Experience the sheer joy and happiness on the children’s faces as they learn and develop new skills.
- Team Spirit: Collaborate with fellow volunteers and forge lasting friendships while enjoying the social aspects of the project.
- Exciting Activities: Participate in diverse experiences, including a township tour, wildlife reserve visits, dune boarding at Jeffreys Bay, gumboot dance lessons, a scenic boat trip on Sundays River, and a traditional African meal featuring drumming and dance performances.
Description
At our sports coaching project in South Africa, we provide a unique opportunity for volunteers to engage with disadvantaged children, helping to nurture their skills and build confidence through sports. Whether you’re organizing a school trip, a sports team outreach, or a community service project, we are prepared to offer your group an impactful and rewarding experience.
A bespoke coaching itinerary for 7, 10 or 14 nights will be presented to you on booking once we find out your preferences.
Activities alongside coaching
- Activities could include: Township tour, Kragga Kamma Wildlife Reserve, Jeffreys Bay day experience (including dune boarding), Gum Boot dance lesson, Sundays River boat trip and activities next to the river, traditional African out door meal with drumming and dance performance (dependent on season and terms).
- Optional evening activities where transport is included (activities at own cost): 5-a-side football, bowling, cinema, bars and restaurants!
Group Accommodation
- We can accommodate groups of various sizes. Our main facility has overflow accommodation for up to 35 people, but we can arrange additional housing for groups as large as 80.
- We recommend booking well in advance, especially for larger groups, to ensure availability.
- Single gender, 4-6 pax per room & private bathrooms – Private en-suite room for teachers.
Age Flexibility
- We typically accommodate groups with participants aged 16 to 18 years when chaperoned by teachers.
- For younger participants, we prefer to assess on a case-by-case basis, depending on the activities planned.
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
- Our pricing is based on a 1:8 teacher-to-student ratio. This includes an en-suite room for each teacher at no additional cost.
- If the ratio exceeds 1:8, an extra charge will apply to cover the cost of additional en-suite rooms.
- For groups of over 18s, teachers are not required to accompany them, though they are welcome.
Seasonal Availability
- We welcome groups year-round, from mid-January to mid-November, when our regular program operates.
- Our busiest period is from February to April, so it is advisable to confirm dates with us early to secure your booking.
Group Accommodation Requirements
- We have extensive experience in hosting groups and have developed a setup that meets diverse needs. However, as each group is unique, we strongly encourage thorough pre-departure communication to ensure that all expectations are met.
- Please note that group bookings have a minimum stay of 7 days and may be more expensive than individual bookings due to the need for external accommodation.
Which sports can I coach?
South Africa is celebrated globally for its competitive sports prowess and the emergence of sporting heroes. However, access to sports education remains limited for many children in the country, particularly in underserved communities. This volunteer project aims to bridge that gap by bringing sports to the poorer areas of South Africa. Without physical education integrated into their curriculum, township children miss out on valuable opportunities to learn and play sports in an organized setting. Your enthusiasm for sports will inspire these kids, and coaching them will be a rewarding experience as you witness their passion and excitement.
As a sports coaching volunteer, you and your team will visit three schools each day to coach your selected sport or a mix of various sports. This role goes beyond just teaching; you will also serve as a positive role model. The children, aged 10 to 13, are often unfamiliar with structured sports, making your guidance essential. You don’t need to be a top athlete—your passion and dedication will create the most significant impact.
Volunteers have the option to specialize in one sport or combine multiple sports for a more varied experience. This flexibility in choosing different sports enhances the weekly program, ensuring an engaging and dynamic coaching environment
Sports coaching volunteers can choose to specialise in coaching just one sport, but often we find that it is best to combine several sports for more variety. The freedom to choose between different sports makes the weeks even more diverse.
Follow the links to find out about each sport:
- Football coaching
- Rugby coaching
- Cricket coaching
- Netball coaching
- Hockey coaching
- Tennis coaching
- Basketball coaching
- Swimming coaching (only runs from Jan – Oct each year due to using outside pools)
Food
All Meals Included for Volunteers
As a volunteer, you’ll enjoy delicious meals throughout your stay. Breakfast typically features a variety of cereals, toast, spreads, tea, coffee, and fresh fruit to energize your day.
Packed lunches usually consist of hearty sandwiches (such as tuna, chicken, cold cuts, or cheese), accompanied by crisps and fruit, perfect for a day on the go.
Dinner is prepared by a skilled local cook and offers a range of comforting options including lasagne, cottage pie, roast chicken, sausage and mash, chicken stir-fry, chilli con carne, macaroni, and traditional potjie.
We accommodate all dietary requirements, so please inform us in advance to ensure everyone’s needs are met.
Coaching children in sports can work up quite an appetite! Many volunteers enjoy supplementing their meals with snacks from local shops, just a quick 10-minute walk away.
Additionally, there is a volunteer kitchen available for those who wish to cook outside of meal times, providing flexibility and a chance to prepare your favorite dishes.
Travel arrangements
Airport: Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
Arrival day: Mondays. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to the project
Departure day: You will be dropped off at the airport after 7, 10 or 14 days
Supporting You
Nick and his experienced team of staff members will oversee the sports, teaching, and childcare projects in Port Elizabeth. They are committed to providing continuous support to volunteers throughout their stay. With a strong focus on enhancing the impact of these projects, the team is dedicated to ensuring a rewarding experience for both volunteers and the communities they serve
Included
- Access to your own personal ‘My Oyster’ account – our online portal where you can find out much more about the program and manage your booking
- Dedicated contact time with an experienced destination manager to discuss the project, answer any of your questions and for us to find out more about you
- Help and advice from our UK office before arrival and whilst you are away
- In-country support
- Pre-departure information covering medical, safety and project advice
- Gold level, 24/7 Pharos crisis management and incident support cover
- Financial protection: ATOL (if we book your flights); IPP (if we don’t book your flights)
- Thorough orientation on arrival
- Accommodation (see the ‘accommodation’ section above for details)
- Advice on visa requirements
- Oyster plants a tree in Africa with TreeAid to help reduce the impact of global carbon emissions
- Three meals per day
- Airport and project transfers
- Monthly donation to provide 2 children with one meal a day for a year
On your return:
- Help and advice following on from your programme
- Certificate of recognition (on request)
- References (on request)
Not Included
- Flights – as an ATOL bonded company, Oyster can book flights for you
- You need a valid passport that meets the requirements of the country you will be travelling to
- Insurance (covering your time with Oyster and any planned independent travel)
- Any costs associated with changing your return flight date if you need to
- Independent travel costs
- Home country travel costs
- Spending money for additional trips, food and entertainment
- Criminal Records Bureau check/ police check
- A reference from a recent employer/ teacher or otherwise
More Information
If you’re passionate about teaching sports abroad, you’ll be warmly welcomed into the Port Elizabeth community and the volunteer project. It’s incredibly rewarding to provide children with opportunities in a challenging environment. You will have the chance to meet amazing kids, dedicated teachers, and fellow volunteers while participating in a project that offers valuable insights into life in this beautiful country.
Beyond sports, volunteering in Port Elizabeth presents an incredible experience. The city is vibrant and lively, with the stunning Garden Route right at your doorstep. You’ll have the chance to participate in thrilling activities such as safaris, surfing, and bungee jumping, making it a truly unforgettable volunteer experience.
Read here for the top 5 reasons to coach sports on your travels.
We are an approved activity provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. You are able to put the time that you spend volunteering abroad on this project towards achieving your Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. We are happy to sign off your completion of this programme to show that you have achieved the Residential section of the Gold Award.
Port Elizabeth experiences moderately hot summers and mild winters, making it a desirable destination for visitors year-round. Known as one of the wettest regions in South Africa, it receives most of its rainfall during the winter months, primarily due to the humid sea winds from the Indian Ocean. This consistent rainfall contributes to the area’s lush greenery, enhancing its natural beauty.
- Spring (Late August to October): Enjoy pleasant temperatures as nature comes alive.
- Summer (November to March): Experience warm weather with daily highs ranging from 24°C to 30°C, especially between December and February.
- Autumn (April and May): Delight in mild weather with average daytime temperatures in the low 20s.
- Winter (June to August): While days can still be warm (up to 20°C), nights tend to be chilly, so be prepared for cooler temperatures.
Please note that the weather can influence project activities. For instance, heavy rain may lead to lesson cancellations, as children typically wear their school uniforms without separate sports kits. Additionally, swimming lessons may not be feasible during autumn, winter, or spring due to cooler temperatures, which make outdoor pools too cold for prolonged use.
We would recommend budgeting £60-£100 per week.
There is really easy access to cash machines in Port Elizabeth so you do not need to take all your cash with you.
No visa is necessary for under 90 days from UK and most western European countries. You will receive a tourist stamp upon arrival allowing you stay in the country for free for up to 90 days.
You need to make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 30 days after you leave South Africa.
There are special requirements and documents for parents to complete for under 18s.
You should visit your doctor or travel nurse to find out what vaccinations you will need. Your routine vaccinations will need to be up to date; hepatitis A and Typhoid are likely. You should follow your doctor’s advice.
Please check below for where the closest hospital to the project is – your doctor may ask to know this so that they can provide information on rabies.
For any more information, including entry requirements, please see the Fit for Travel website or the UK government’s travel advice page for South Africa.
There are medical facilities very locally in Port Elizabeth. Medical facilities are very good and there is a variety of medical clinics, surgeries and hospitals.
- The town centre is about 10 minutes’ drive away
- There is a mini supermarket within easy walking distance and restaurants and shops about 5- 10 minutes walk away
- Transport in Port Elizabeth is very good, with excellent links throughout the city
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT (GMT +2).
In South Africa, a mixture of European plugs and South African plugs are used.
Got a question or want to chat to Project Manager Kate who has first-hand experience of the project? Call +44 (0) 1892 771 973or email: – [email protected].