PROJECT OVERVIEW

Project Type: Sports Coaching, Community Project , work with children

Location: Accra, Ghana

Pick up Point: Accra Kotoka Airport, Ghana

Duration: 2 – 12 Weeks

Price: from £600 for 2 Weeks (2023)

Accommodation: Volunteers are accommodated in volunteer house near the training projects

Meals: Three meals a day included, meal preparation is semi participation

Age Range: 17 plus

FURTHER INFO

The project is based in two areas: the Accra Rugby Club (ARC) and its surrounding schools. Whilst its popularity is growing, many Ghanaian school children are unaware of rugby. Fortunately, they are always more than keen to try new sports, especially when offered training and a structured environment in which to improve. Part of your role whilst coaching abroad is to identify those with the enthusiasm and drive to play rugby and to refer them to ARC. In addition to coaching, volunteers will have the chance to play alongside senior players at ARC- this is an important and unique opportunity to build cultural friendships and experience West African rugby culture first-hand.

You won’t be alone whilst working in Ghana- we have an in-country team as well as volunteers and local sports coaches, all of whom are happy to point you in the right direction and offer advice on how to structure events and training sessions. However, you will be encouraged to come up with your own methods and techniques so as to develop your own training ‘flair’.

In the beginning you will be working in schools with students in the 12-16 year old age range. This work will take place largely during PE sessions, but volunteers are encouraged to start additional after school clubs for the enthusiastic players. It is imperative that you have a strong understanding of rugby, in both how it is played and the rules themselves. Many of the children will never have seen rugby played before and will therefore need clear instruction.

Once you are established at the schools, your second role will come into effect, whilst working at the schools, you will be asked to scout the more promising players and work with them to hone their skills. These promising players will then be introduced to the ARC and the competitive side of the game. Working at the ARC, your focus will be more on the technical aspects of the game, such as scrummaging, mauling and kicking. There may also be the opportunity to play for the ARC senior team, dependant on the time of year.
As well as coaching players, there will be the opportunity for teaching abroad in classes at the sports academies and schools in Accra. This will be your opportunity to make a difference outside the world of sport- with your schooling background, you have the means to make a massive contribution to students’ education, whether that is in English, Maths, Science, Journalism, Business, IT or more.

In your free time whilst coaching abroad, you’ll want to make the most of the sights and experiences Ghana has to offer. Full of breath-taking sights and welcoming locals, Accra is full of amazing places to visit, with its bars and restaurants providing authentic African live dancing and music. For times when you’re missing the familiarity of home, there are a number of western-style pubs and clubs that give you the flavour of the UK that you’ve been craving. And if you fancy a break from rugby, a trip to the National Stadium to watch a football game is well worth your time.

Make a difference to the lives of Ghana’s promising young sports enthusiasts and coach rugby abroad today!