Description

Children in India are passionate about sport; everywhere you go you will see them on the streets playing games, sometimes with imaginative makeshift equipment! Although resources at the schools can sometimes be scary, the children are enthusiastic and wonderful to teach.

You will have the opportunity to coach cricket, soccer, tennis, volleyball, badminton, basketball and table tennis to many age groups mainly in secondary schools in the bustling city of Madurai.

The schools we work with are all situated in the bustling city of Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The school are mainly 'Matriculation' which means that English is taught as the first language. These schools tend to have play areas for sport which is enjoyed as PE classes throughout the day. However most of the schools have only basic equipment such as a few deflated footballs, no nets or bibs and potholed pitches! Some schools even use the car park as a playing ground. Although materials and resources may be scarce, the enthusiasm of the students and colleagues more than makes up for any hardships.

The children are a joy to teach as they are incredibly enthusiastic about games. They turn up for training each day eager to learn new skills, have fun and practice their English. Coaching sports has immeasurable indirect benefits for the children, such as health awareness, increased confidence and social skills.

The Principal/sports director and/or relevant teachers at the school will liaise with you about your coaching assignments and our Organisers will also be happy to assist you where necessary.

You may teach between 10 and 30 children at a time. Sometimes the children can be split into smaller groups with the PE teacher taking half the children if you find that they are too many to coach. You'll most likely be teaching children aged between 7 and 16. Although the children can speak English they tend to be incredibly shy at first, but they will soon open up!

You may be coaching sports on your own or the PE teachers may assist you; it will depend on their knowledge of the sports you are coaching. It is vital to use loads of initiative on this placement as you may have to 'round up' classes to coach during the day. Forming good relationships with the teachers is a great way to achieve this.

This project is open to both male and female volunteers.

You will usually be coaching for 3 to 5 hours at one school only, however there is a possibility that you may coach at two different venues. You will work in secondary schools and you will normally help out with all age groups. You will be in popular demand wherever you are placed and the children will crowd around you like a celebrity and want your autograph. Keep a pen on you at all times!

The lessons are approximately 40 minutes each and you will be coaching a variety of sports:

Cricket: Cricket is by far the most popular sport in India and has produced some of the finest cricketers in the world such as Tendulkar, Dravid and Sehwag. India won the Cricket World Cup in 1983 and under the wonderful guidance of captain Mahindra Singh Dhoni, they won again in 2011 after a 28 year gap! Celebrations went on well into the night all over India as fans took to the streets with flags and firecrackers! They also won the first ever T20 world cup in 2007. Everywhere you go you will see groups of children and adults alike playing on every piece of spare ground they can find. Children love to practise at every opportunity so this sport will be in great demand.

Soccer: Soccer is probably the second most popular sport in India after cricket. All the children in India love David Beckham and will be keen to play the game! Soccer is not widely played though so resources are lacking. You may find a few deflated footballs and cones and most of the time you will need to improvise as you may not find goal posts. Soccer coaching is also available as a full time project.

Badminton: Badminton is also one of the most popular sports in India with Sania Nehwal one of the emerging players in India today. Many children play badminton but few receive proper coaching.

Tennis: Although tennis is widely played, the recent rise of Sania Mirza has helped to boost its popularity. The facilities at the schools may be basic and the children may not receive proper coaching; this is where you come in.

Volleyball: Volleyball is another popular sport in India and is played in the larger schools.

Basketball: Basketball is becoming more and more popular in India so any help you can give the children will be appreciated.

Coaching sports is only available from June to February as from the beginning of March the children have to concentrate on their academic studies as their exams are just around the corner. However, you may be able to coach some sport during the Summer Holidays (April to May) when Summer Camps are held in some of our schools for approximately 40 children. These Summer Camps actually take place in the school grounds and are an opportunity to give more informal lessons, perhaps combining them with playing a sport or putting together a music concert or play much more relaxed and not quite so structured. Alternatively, you can use the holidays to tour around the country and sightsee.

FREE COACHING MANUALS:
As a volunteer sports coach with Travellers, you have access to a large number of coaching manuals for each sport - these manuals have been produced in-house by our Sports Manager. These manuals are very useful and will help you to plan coaching sessions for your students.

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into beautiful India and it's fascinating culture.
* The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
* An entry on your CV or resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
* And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen! If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us, tell us what type of project you're looking for, and we'll liaise with you and start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that!

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From 1,270 for 2 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Sports
• Teaching

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

17 - 70+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995