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COMMUNITY

Want to Help Develop the Sport Skills of Young Children in Africa?

Impart your sporting skills and knowledge on young aspiring athletes during a sports coaching volunteer program in South Africa where soccer is one of the most popular sports on the continent, or find yourself at a sports coaching clinic in Zambia where you could be teaching the art of rugby – a sport that promotes unity and trust amongst young children. Sports in Africa can be a fun and effective way to boost children’s health, whilst also teaching important life lessons. But, in many African communities, the options for learning sports are limited. Based on this, our sports volunteer projects in Zambia and South Africa are aimed at uplifting the lives of children in under-resourced communities, and nurturing talent.

Our SDG Impact in Africa for Sports Coaching Programs

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Across our bases in South Africa and Zambia, our teams on the ground are committed to supporting the above Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations.

Why Volunteer On Sports Coaching Projects With African Impact?

Here are some highlights from our Sports Coaching Volunteer Projects.

Browse All Sports Coaching Volunteering Programs

Volunteer sports coaches work with communities to create new recreation programs for kids. By running sports activities in rural schools and supporting local coaches, you’ll inspire students to embrace physical activity and health. These programs promote positive development and relationships among kids. You’ll also find sustainable ways to offer health education and physical activities in resource-limited areas.

African Impact base Travel in 2024 & Get $100 off! children and volunteers playing football on the field

Sports Volunteering Program in Zambia

Book to arrive in 2024 & get $100 / £75 / €90 / AUD 150 off of your booking. T&Cs apply.

Need Guidance? Start Here

Are you unsure where to start, or would prefer to speak with one of our team members? Just answer a few questions and we’ll find something suitable together.

Other Community Volunteer Project Impact Areas

These are the various areas within our Community volunteer projects you can specialise in.

Recent Sports Coaching Reviews

Jess Bierton, 19, UKSports Coaching & Development, Cape Town, South Africa

This was an absolute once in a lifetime experience. Not only were the projects extremely enjoyable and fulfilling but the people you get to meet and work with make the trip completely. Rachel and Khanyiso are such amazing people and I'm so incredibly lucky to have met them both, along with all the staff at the accommodation too. Everyone makes you feel so welcome and I would honestly come back and do it all over again if I could. As someone who came on their own (so anxious of meeting new people) I've come away with friends for life and memories I will cherish forever.

Sam Bishop, UKSports & Community Development, Zambia

Volunteering with African Impact in Livingstone has been an incredible experience. Upon arrival, I could not have imagined that I would train with the Zambian national rugby team, walk with rhinos and zip-line across the falls before my stay was complete. The hands-on nature of the projects is a great way to develop useful skills for the future. On the sports project, we quickly became familiar with some useful phrases in nyanja (much to the amusement of the children) and days out like the village tour allowed us to experience the village way of life and taste the local delicacies. In short, we have met some incredible people in an incredible place, and have had an incredible time.

Joey Simone, 24, USASports Coaching & Development, Cape Town, South Africa

African Impact is a truly special program. The housing is fantastic, the food is delicious, the work is impactful and African Impact team is absolutely AMAZING. I felt listened to, happy and safe through my time volunteering. I’m so glad I did this program through this organization. I could not recommend it enough.

Justin Gates, AustraliaSports & Community Development, Zambia

Overall, it was a great experience. I loved meeting and becoming friends with other volunteers who were all different ages and from different countries. Our coordinators were fun and approachable, and you could tell they were passionate about the different projects. Livingstone was awesome because I could ask to be on different projects, and they were very flexible and accommodating. The kids in the sport program were so quick at learning and a lot of fun to be around every day. I was able to make up my own activities and was trusted to run sessions with over 40 kids! Highly recommended!

Adrian Chase Alexander, 22, USASports Coaching & Development, Cape Town, South Africa

Overall, I had an amazing time here in Cape Town doing the sports coaching program. Working with the kids was an incredible and eye opening experience, and being able to work with them in the townships, in their environments definitely changed my perspective and opened my eyes to a lot I wasn’t aware of. The staff were fantastic, from working with us on the projects they were very helpful and supportive, but at the accommodation as well they were always great company to have around. I appreciated them allowing the volunteers to take more of a leadership role in terms of doing the weekly plannings for the projects and leading them on location. This was an incredible experience and one that I would recommend to anyone that has any interest in this kind of thing.

Sports Coach Volunteering FAQs

Do I need to be a professional athlete or coach to volunteer?

While prior experience in sports coaching is a plus, it’s not essential to become a sports volunteer in Africa. We welcome individuals with a passion for sports, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make a positive impact on young people’s lives. We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support throughout your sports coaching placement, equipping you with the necessary skills to effectively engage and motivate young athletes.

What are the benefits of coaching sports to children in developing countries?

Coaching sports to children in developing countries offers a wide range of benefits that go well beyond just physical exercise. This practice not only enhances children’s motor skills, coordination, and overall health, but also plays a crucial role in fostering essential life skills. Through sports, children learn the value of teamwork, effective communication, leadership, and discipline – attributes that are invaluable in their personal and future professional lives. Moreover, sports coaching ignites enthusiasm, encourages self-expression, and nurtures problem-solving abilities, thereby inspiring creativity and personal growth. These combined benefits contribute significantly to the holistic development of children in these regions, equipping them with tools to overcome challenges and thrive in various aspects of life.

How will this experience benefit me personally?

Volunteering as a sports coach will be an enriching experience on both personal and professional levels. You’ll develop valuable leadership and communication skills, gain firsthand experience working in a cross-cultural environment, and broaden your understanding of global issues. Additionally, the joy of seeing young people grow and thrive through your coaching will leave a lasting impact on you!