South Africa Sports coaching

Coach football, netball, cricket, rugby and hockey to loving township kids- and even some tennis and swimming too!

South Africa is renowned in the sporting world for its strength in competitions and producing sporting heroes. With particular passion for football, rugby and cricket, South Africa's sportsmen and women are growing from strength to strength.

Oyster arranges for you to become part of an inspiring project to take these sports to the townships, coaching the potential Makhaya Ntinis and Steven Pienaars of the future, helping them to develop a passion for sports and a motivation for life.

Taking sports to these communities is a fun and, most importantly. incredibly rewarding gift. Without sports as part of a wider curriculum, the township kids have very little opportunity for play and games. Your passion for sport will be reflected in these kids, and you will have a lot of fun coaching them and seeing how much what you're doing means to them.

The foundation runs fantastic sporting programmes for disadvantaged kids, including football, cricket, rugby, tennis, hockey, netball, swimming and more.

All of this takes place in "The Friendly City" that is Port Elizabeth, which hosted many of the Football World Cup games in 2010, including the third place play offs and one of the England matches. The city is vibrant, promising a great social life with beautiful beaches, great surf and with easy access to the stunning Garden Route. The accommodation boasts swimming pool, a gym, table tennis and table football and some people's highlight- Sky TV with 9 sports channels!

2012 and 2013 start dates calendar- click here

What will I do?

Your role will be to help coach the kids and act as a good role model. You don't need to be a top player to take part (though any champions are welcome!) but it's your personality and drive that will make the biggest impact. The kids love it - and their sports and life skills get a real boost too.

This isn't just about sport. The programme aims to give the kids positive values and teach them about healthy living. It's very rewarding to give them these opportunities when so much is stacked against them.

With both projects, you'll start with a 3 day orientation where you'll be shown around and given plenty of tips on local life and working with the children. It is a good chance to get over the flight and get to know the others in your group. After the orientation you'll be feeling pretty confident, but can still get plenty of support from Hannah and Kurt whom you'll see on a daily basis, as well as Nick.

You'll have the weekends free to enjoy all that Port Elizabeth has to offer. Your accommodation comes with swimming pool, table tennis, TV channels and nearby shop. The Port Elizabeth night life is excellent and there are masses of clubs and bars as well as many cheap restaurants. You'll also get the chance to go on outings arranged by your hosts.

Getting there

The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth, about a 90 minute flight from Johannesburg. Oyster can book flights for you or you may prefer to book them yourself. You will need to arrive on a Saturday.

Highlights - what will I get out of this?

• The reward of seeing deprived children having a great time, while gaining confidence and life skills.
• Getting more skills yourself, as well as fantastic experience for your CV.
• Working alongside fellow volunteers and having plenty of fun during your time off.
• Getting to know real South Africa and its people in a way that you would not as a tourist passing through.
• Enjoying this diverse country that has incredible climate, game parks, surfing as well as amazing beer wine and great food.

Support in South Africa

You will see Nick on a regular basis, but will also get support from Hannah and Kurt who work for the foundation and live at the staff accommodation. You will get to know them well and will find them a helpful source of advice.

Accommodation and Food

You stay in a quiet friendly residential area of Port Elizabeth called Newton Park that has tree lined roads and is about 10 minutes by taxi to the centre of town. There is a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere that will allow you to unwind and charge your batteries for the next day.

The sleeping accommodation is dormitory style in bunk beds with a communal TV room, internet access and fridge. There is an outdoor pool, table tennis, pool and a local shop 2 minutes away. There are easy to use coin operated washing machines.

Your food is included at weekends as well as weekdays and there is a permanent cook to cook for you. You get a packed lunch to take with you each weekday.