Sports Volunteering in South Africa

30 Sports Volunteer Programs in South Africa
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.56
809
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.
See All 6 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.57
14
This project is an adventure club for 12-14 year old children focused primarily on extramural surfing and swimming lessons. The adventure club provides children with a valuable opportunity to take part in a range of outdoor activities from surfing and swimming to hiking and even sandboarding. An orientation in Cape Town is provided before the start of the project. There are anywhere from 5 to 20 children participating in the club every week. Volunteers are able to take free surf lessons during the school day and then help teach and lead groups of children after school. There are also opportunities to assist in community development or to help teach computer skills in schools during the day. Activities include teaching kids to swim, skate and surf, helping on hikes and running fun days and sports programs. so far over 300 children have learned to swim and over 80 have learned to surf!
See All 2 ProgramsLove Volunteers
9.58
201
Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.
See All 3 ProgramsConnect-123 Internship Programs
9.82
150
Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.
See All 3 ProgramsVolunteer World
8.76
17
Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.
See All 2 ProgramsAll Out Africa
0
0
Education is one of the key needs of children, as this is their doorway to a bright future. In South Africa, kids have to go to school because it is seen as a fundamental human right, yet a significant percentage struggle to attend or do well at school due to various reasons, such as unemployment, HIV/AIDS, poverty, and substance abuse. Hence, this education project from All Out Africa aims to assist primary school children in various ways, including helping them learn to read and providing one-on-one support to those performing below the 20% pass rate. Volunteers will also work on an after-school project that continues to support educational activities, including reading and homework, as well as teach life skills and activities to improve self-confidence. Participants don’t need prior experience to volunteer in this project. What’s important is motivation and sensitivity to each child’s needs. The organization will help them settle into a role that benefits the children they work with while they gain valuable skills themselves. Participants can choose whether they prefer a teaching role at a local primary school or a childcare role at a preschool or nursery.
See All 2 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
0
0
Volunteering Journeys programs in South Africa are highly sought after, offering a wide range of opportunities—from English teaching and coaching sports to medical electives to animal and wildlife conservation projects, including work with the Big 5. These programs are well-suited for gap year students, families, and anyone seeking an adventure-driven volunteer experience. One of the key attractions of volunteering in South Africa is the variety of additional activities available, allowing you to explore while making a meaningful contribution. Known as the “Rainbow Nation,” the country earned its name through decades of struggle to overcome apartheid and institutionalized racial discrimination. While apartheid has ended, South Africa continues to face challenges such as economic inequality, gender-based violence, and illegal wildlife trade. Our placements are designed to help address these ongoing issues. As with many developing nations, there remains a strong need for dedicated volunteers to support both short- and long-term humanitarian and animal welfare goals. Programs are based in Cape Town, with wildlife conservation opportunities located in Kruger National Park.
GVI
9.59
32
Volunteers will be teaching children to surf in conjunction with coaching a range of different sports including football, netball, cricket, tennis, athletics, and rugby in townships that surround the beautiful city of Cape Town. The aim is for you to assist teachers and GVI staff in running sports lessons at the schools during the mornings and to give surf and environmental and beach conservation education to the students and orphans in our surf club in the afternoons. Volunteers will have time off on weekends to enjoy the local area and relax. Organized side trips are available - wine tasting trip, wildlife safari, and a Cape Town Cultural and Activity Weekend.
Volunteer International Adventures
9.9
10
Teach at local community schools in Knysna, South Africa, in this volunteer project. Support the development of children by teaching them English, Natural Science, Maths, Dance, Music, Sports, and other subjects. You could also assist with reading groups in school libraries or special needs activities. We have placements at township schools, which have large classes and basic facilities. Therefore, the teachers greatly appreciate any help in managing a huge number of students. Your ideas are always welcome to improve a variety of areas: foundation phase little ones, Physical Education, English teaching, Mathematics, and others. This project is available during South African school terms, between mid-January to early December. Start days are from Monday to Friday, and the minimum length of stay is two weeks. A longer duration is subject to visa requirements. We welcome volunteers from 17 years old.
See All 2 ProgramsSurfpop Foundation
9.6
10
Surfpop takes you on an unforgettable surf travel experience that includes volunteering your time and skills to coach and mentor children from disadvantaged communities around Cape Town. You will assist Surfpop children in the water through interactive surf sessions as well as help them with their homework, English and Maths. You will design life skills activities and fun games to expand their horizon. If you have unique skills or ideas that you would like to share with Surfpop before, during, or after your stay, please let us know. We are always open to new and cool ideas! Some examples of skills and ideas that previous volunteers contributed include the following: - Organization of photography and painting workshops - Production of Surfpop video clips - Assistance with social media, PR, and advertising - Initiation of fundraiser among family and friends for Surfpop Foundation
Oyster Worldwide
10
5
If you love sports and want to spend some time sharing your passion with disadvantaged children, this program is perfect for you. South Africa is known across the world for its success in rugby, swimming, football, and cricket, so it comes as a surprise to many to learn that sport is not part of the standard curriculum. Many children living in townships have never properly learned how to play their favorite sport. Volunteers will spend their days in local schools coaching sports. There are many sports that the children are eager to learn, including soccer, rugby, cricket, basketball, hockey, tennis, and swimming. This is a thoroughly fulfilling program because you will get to see the children that you work with progress and learn a new skill. In your spare time, there is plenty to do. The program is based in the seaside city of Port Elizabeth and there are some amazing places to visit in the area, with some trips even included in the price you pay. Volunteers live in shared accommodation, which has a swimming pool, game room, and table tennis. Food is also provided.
Magister South Africa Student & Volunteer Programs
9
4
Magister South Africa offers a broad range of internship and volunteering placements in Cape Town. As one of the most established and well-known internship and volunteer organizations in South Africa's capital, our main goal is geared toward matching and placing qualified international students, interns, and volunteers with dynamic companies and organizations based in Cape Town. With our wide network of contacts and range of skills, we strive to ensure that the participants' experiences abroad remain unforgettable one. Magister offers great value to students and volunteers and invests in their personal development and education as well as their careers. We match placements according to qualifications, interests, and university requirements to ensure a unique internship or volunteer experience that best fits individual needs.
Good Hope Studies
0
0
Cape Town is the perfect place to set up a base for your volunteering adventure in South Africa. The city is known to be one of the most beautiful ones in the world; the challenges the communities in and outside of Cape Town face, are huge. Those who are less fortunate, namely women, children, the elderly and homeless people, are the ones who are in great need. We dedicate ourselves to better their lives through help, love and skills they would otherwise not receive. Some of the projects involve sports such as rugby and surfing, others horse therapy for disabled children and others again involve volunteers in community projects and youth development. Helping at local schools or kindergartens is also popular. There is a lot of valuable projects to choose from. We help you find the right one. Volunteers in Cape Town and Hout Bay will be able to participate in the exciting social programme offered through our language school. Spend your weekends hiking Table Mountain, shark diving, or enjoying the world famous night life in the city. The city is a melting pot for young people from all over the world, and you are bound to find yourself in the company of life long friends.
Impact Gap Year
10
3
Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and community development across the globe. Join a gap year program that will take you to enchanting destinations filled with cultural immersions, impactful volunteering, and an unforgettable summer experience. Your journey will begin in Costa Rica, where you will work with local communities in addressing social and economic challenges. You will then travel to South Africa to help lead sports development, followed by a summer of learning and practicing the Spanish language in Spain. Finally, you will volunteer in teaching and community building and development in Thailand and Cambodia while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English - Have a clean background check if working with minors Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the communities you will serve. Visit our website or inquire today for complete details about this program.
See All 2 ProgramsUnited Planet
0
0
South Africa is famous for its cosmopolitan cities, lush vineyards, wildlife, and coastline. Wine and gold are its largest exports. As a former Dutch colony, you'll find an interesting mix of traditional South African and European cuisine. The country's past gave birth to victory over the mistreatment of native South Africans. Despite its strong economy, the nation is still working to recover. As a volunteer, you'll be playing a role in supporting educational initiatives. You can serve as a coach for at-risk youth or work in a child care center.
Africa & Asia Venture
0
0
Make a lasting difference using your talents, skills, and passion. Join us in this gap year volunteering program in destinations like Kenya, Malawi, India, Nepal, and Thailand. This is the perfect opportunity to become a global citizen while immersing yourself in diverse cultures. At Africa & Asia Venture (AV), we consider your skills and knowledge to put these to good use in our programs in the following areas: - Art, Drama, Music, and Dance - Community Work - Sports Coaching - Teaching Stay for as short as 5 weeks or as long as 12 weeks. You can also participate in the 16-week gap year program, which comprises 12 weeks of volunteering and 4 weeks of independent travel. If you have an alternative duration, don’t hesitate to let us know and we’ll work with you to create a tailored itinerary. Your gap year doesn’t necessarily mean a “year” out. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your preferences.
Popular Searches
Apply for Scholarships & Deals
Submit a single application on MyGoAbroad to get exclusive discounts on travel programs!








