Description

Soccer in China is increasing in popularity. While the national team still struggles to compete at an international level, more and more people are becoming involved in the sport and supporting local teams.

Chinese players going to play in European leagues attract massive media attention, and as a result also gain a large following. Many school children are eager to begin playing soccer and many soccer academies have recently been set up as a result.

Soccer placements in Shanghai might vary from working with a well-known Chinese school which specializes in turning out professional young players, to private coaching for organizations which run programs aimed at a wide variety of enthusiastic young hopefuls.

On these projects volunteers can coach different age groups and abilities, and will have the opportunity to mix with people from backgrounds very different from their own. This provides a rich international experience all within the sphere of one of the world's most loved sports.

Whether you are coaching your own class or providing support to the local coach, your help will be much appreciated by both the coaches and the students. Most children, boys and girls, have a great enthusiasm and an unlimited appetite for sports, especially when they are made accessible and fun.

During your time as a sports volunteer in China you will be responsible for the development of young players' basic skills and techniques. You will help co-ordinate and plan coaching sessions to develop skills such as ball control, accurate passing, and keeping possession. Furthermore you will help your supervisor to referee games.

Highlights

When you arrive in China, you will be introduced to the students and your supervisor. Don't worry if you have little or no coaching experience; the staff here are dedicated to their programs and very open to volunteers, so will help you in anyway they can. You will be working alongside bilingual English/Mandarin speaking coaches, or will be provided with a translator, so communication won't be a problem.

Volunteers typically begin coaching in the afternoons and may be involved in the planning of the sessions with the lead coach or other administrative work before hand.

Volunteers can also work on Saturdays and Sundays coaching youth sessions. You can arrange to take a couple of days off during the week if you prefer in order to relax and explore Shanghai.

In addition to coaching the students at the soccer club, volunteers may also have the opportunity to help with demonstration sessions at various Chinese schools around Shanghai. If you have coaching experience you can also be involved in coaching education sessions to improve the quality of coaching at the club.

For those volunteers interested in business there is the opportunity to be involved in marketing the soccer club.

Qualifications

Must be 16 years of age or older.

Intern Types

• Sports

Languages

• Chinese
• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Registration fees

Experience Required

yes

none

Volunteer Types

• Sports
• Teaching
• Volunteering
• Youth
• Youth Development

Age Range

16 and up

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992