Description

Coach soccer in Sri Lanka from 2 weeks to 6 months. Sri Lanka is an exotic island, famous for its 1,600 kilometres of unspoilt, golden beaches and diverse climate zones. It is the proverbial paradise island!

You'll work in schools for the poorer children and the underprivileged section of the community in JA-ELA, midway between Colombo and the popular Indian Ocean resort of Negombo, and the soccer coaching project is very popular with the children. Sri Lankans are very friendly, hospitable and welcoming, if somewhat laidback and in no-rush mode to get things done!

A few years ago, a group of five Travellers volunteers with lots of initiative went to Sri Lanka to coach soccer to the children, the first soccer coaching that Travellers had provided the children. This project was so hugely successfully and the children loved so much that we've continued it ever since. At the end of their project, the five volunteers reported that the children showed "vast improvement" and that the school's under 17s team had won four out of their last six matches! Your work will help to continue our football programme.

The schools we help cater for the poorer and underprivileged children and have about 400 to 500 pupils aged 5 to 16 years old. You'll coach at a number of schools. The facilities are basic but the children are excited about playing football and being coached by our volunteers. The pitches in Sri Lanka are typically gravel and dirt pitches, which makes the game of soccer very quick and exciting as it is played at a very different pace and style to European football.

The schools have very limited sports equipment and facilities, but lots of enthusiasm. You'll work with the teachers to create and coach school teams that will play in the inter-schools Travellers Soccer Tournaments which you'll organise with the schools as part of your placement. The tournaments were established to provide the children with the opportunity to play soccer competitively, which many of the children haven't had, so towards the end of your placement, you may be able to organise a tournament that brings together all the schools you've been working with to play against each other.

In the past volunteers have organised very successful soccer tournaments which have been the highlight of the year for the children at the school given the honour to represent there school. We provide you with a manual on how to run a tournament.

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into South East Asia and the Sri Lankan culture.
* The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and seeing how your efforts are making 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$:

Starts at 1,345 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
• Group living
• 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