Sports Gap Year Programs

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 147,000 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.

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.

Institute for Global Studies offers Sports Management internships that place you with top-rate athletic clubs for soccer, football, basketball, softball, and in-line hockey, among other sports. These are custom placements where IGS takes your specific interests and talents and matches them with a club in your ideal location. The main goal of these placements is to provide a thorough introduction to all aspects that compose sports management. You will learn the structure of an organization – from the top down, and the roles and daily duties – from the president of the club to the ball boy. This is an opportunity to learn business models and develop field skills. This is a general placement that aims to ensure exposure to the daily activities that go into running a club. Should you have a specific area of interest, we will present it to the club so your duties will focus on that particular area.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Expect an action-packed adventure and plenty of self-discovery in this gap year program in Guatemala. Maximo Nivel offers a 24-week gap year for individuals looking to take a break from their university studies or career. After this life-changing experience, you’ll go back refreshed and ready to tackle challenges. Our gap year in Guatemala starts in historic Antigua, proceeding to El Salvador and back to Guatemala. The program includes: – 12 weeks of Spanish language classes – 8 weeks volunteer—Working with Kids – 4 weeks volunteer—Sea Turtle Conservation – 4 weeks volunteer—Teaching English – 4 weeks volunteer—Animal Care – 1 week Surf School – 1 week Scuba certification – 2-week break with housing Maximo Nivel gives you utmost flexibility in planning the itinerary before departing for Guatemala. In turn, this guarantees a completely personalized gap year with several opportunities for learning and growing.

The VACorps Gap Year Program is a transformative experience that will prepare you for the world that awaits after you finish high school. Our program will help you identify your personal goals, values, and passions and incorporate them into your career and life plan. You will gain real-world work experience, make new friends from all over the globe, and have the time of your life as you explore the most beautiful city in the world. As a participant of our program, you will join a community that feels like a family. When you arrive in South Africa, we make it incredibly easy for you to adjust to life in Cape Town and call this city your home. From your very first day in the country, we will guide you through a comprehensive orientation that ensures you will take full advantage of every moment in South Africa. You'll be immediately networked with other participants, forming a peer group to relate to as you quickly adapt to life in a new city that you'll soon call home. Gap year students live together in the Gap Year House, which is another highlight of the VACorps Gap Year Program experience.

Put your passion for sport to good use as you educate and coach community school pupils and local sports teams. With limited resources and skills in physical education, your input can make a huge difference in increasing morale, health, and instilling life skills in the local community. The schools and communities on which the African Impact sports project is focused have very limited access to sports activities, resources, and few skilled teachers in the area of physical education. Youth sport teams lack consistent coaches with the relevant amount of experience, and local teams have requested volunteer coaches. Physical education is important for the holistic well-being of children, so as you volunteer in Zambia, you will not only create a fun, safe, and educational environment for the youth but also impart valuable life skills and self-confidence. This volunteer project has grown as an increasing number of community schools are partaking in physical education classes, and also an increased interest in community sport.

Discover the exciting world of polocrosse on an authentic Zimbabwean equestrian smallholding. This intimate programme is ideal for those passionate about transforming lives of ex-racehorses, wanting to develop their horsemanship skills, and learn about the exciting sport of polocrosse. Work with Andy Taylor and his family to retrain racehorses for polocrosse, polo, and showjumping. Learn the basics of polocrosse, participate in games and tournaments, and explore the local area on horseback. Enjoy a 3-night horseback wildlife camping safari and assist in rehabilitating disabled children through horse interaction, visit local wildlife rehabilitation centres. Weekends feature sociable braais and the chance to experience life in Zimbabwe. Intermediate and above riding abilities accepted.

Discover China Through Language & Culture. Founded in 2003, Go Abroad China (GAC) offers immersive Mandarin programs for international high school students. This program combines intensive classroom learning with real-world practice, cultural workshops, and social activities. Program Types: Short-Term (2-8 weeks): Summer/Winter camps. Long-Term (Semester/Year): Study at top Chinese schools. Customized Programs: Tailored to individual needs. What’s Included: Mandarin instruction at leading schools. Homestays, shared apartments, or dorms. One-on-one tutoring and language exchange. Cultural tours, networking, and excursions. 24/7 support for safety and guidance. Why Choose GAC? Achieve Mandarin fluency with certification. Gain cultural fluency and global exposure. Enhance college applications and career prospects. Build lifelong friendships and professional networks.

Do you have a passion for travel, adventure, and skiing? Do you want to earn internationally recognized qualifications and travel the world with the coolest job on the planet? Become a ski instructor in Canada with EA Ski and Snowboard Training this winter and fast-track your career in the ski industry! On a ski instructor internship you'll train, qualify and work as a ski instructor - all in one season. EA Ski and Snowboard Training guarantee a paid job offer once their interns have passed their exams and are qualified ski instructors. Apply today to see if you qualify! Choose from 7 world-class ski resorts in Canada to train and work at this winter. You'll train with the best, gain internationally recognized instructor qualifications, and get the best work experience for your CV. You'll gain instructor qualifications recognized by the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) - the world body for professional ski instructors. This means you will be able to work at other world-class ski resorts across the globe. Inquire to get in touch with our team and find out more about this great opportunity!

Work, live, and play in Canada's tourism playgrounds. We work with hundreds of hotels, summer and winter resorts, restaurants, activity providers, retail outlets, and other hospitality and tourism businesses throughout the country. Get a job and accommodation before you depart and help with your visas, insurance, and travel plans. Turn up sorted and work for a season or longer. We have jobs in guest services, food and beverage, kitchen, back of the house, and resort operations. We even have jobs for participants who specialize in construction and aesthetics. Start dates are available all year round, although you need to allow 10–14 weeks for visa processing depending on the time of the year and country of origin. If you’re interested in joining us or would like to stay updated with securing a resort job in Canada, please feel free to get in touch or visit our website for more info. Visas are now open to all IEC partner countries including the UK, Australia, NZ, Europe, Japan, and others. Learn more about this on our website. Let your dream work in Canada become a reality today! Contact us now!

This is not a pause. It is a complete reset. The Quest Men's Core is our flagship 7-month journey for young men ready to answer the question, "What am I truly capable of?" This is a profound, hands-on immersion into the real world, designed to forge the character, skills, and unshakeable self-belief that will define the rest of your life. Based at our 850-hectare wilderness campus at Quiet Waters, you will join a tight-knit brotherhood. Together, you will face real challenges that push you far beyond your comfort zone, and you will emerge stronger for it. Your Journey: Built on our proven 6 Acumen framework, your 7 months are a deep dive into holistic capability. The Outcome: You will graduate not just as a more capable man, but as a leader. You will return with a toolkit of timeless skills, a powerful sense of purpose, and a global brotherhood that will last a lifetime. This is the foundation that sets you apart.

Experience high altitudes, cultural immersion, and remote backpacking on this Himalayan adventure. You will explore jungle and alpine conditions while moving between locations, hiking, rock climbing, and exploring different areas within Nepal. Spending a minimum of 64 nights backcountry camping, you will become fully immersed in the local culture and adventure lifestyle. With iconic landscapes, isolated mountain villages, and warm and friendly locals, Nepal is unforgettable and will carry a place in your heart like no other. This program is about spending 12 weeks in the world’s most dramatic landscapes. From technical skills to emergency safety and group dynamics, this comprehensive program will give you the confidence to navigate, hike, climb, and guide in the great outdoors. You will be on the move around Nepal hiking in Langtang National Park, Annapurna Circuit, Pokhara, and climbing local crags in Pharping or Habbitan. If you are ready to adventure travel in Nepal while gaining an outdoor education, this is the program for you!

The England Soccer Schools are world-renowned. These include Summer Soccer Schools such as the Liverpool FC Football Camps UK, the Manchester City Soccer Camps in Manchester, the Arsenal Summer Soccer Camps UK near London, the Chelsea FC Soccer Camps near London, and the West Ham United Foundation International Academy in London. Residential Camps, Day Camps, Girls' Sessions Only, and Goalkeeper Session Only are offered depending on your camp selection. Soccer Camps in England also offer optional language programs. Soccer Camps International specializes in the best and most famous European Clubs Youth Soccer Camps (Football Camps) and Soccer Schools (Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona, Milan, Juventus, Inter, Paris Saint Germain, and Benfica). We offer you the opportunity to discover new ways of learning and developing soccer skills with players from all over the world in some of the world's best soccer countries: England, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France.

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volunteers has provided safe, affordable and ethical volunteering and gap year projects. Join a program today for a life-changing experience.

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.

Sports coaching involves developing and nurturing the talent and personal development of children from disadvantaged communities through sports. Our Football volunteers will be training children in local schools and community centers. To join this program you don’t need to be a qualified coach, you just need bags of energy and to be passionate about playing sports with children. Our Sports Volunteering Program aims to impart sports training as well as life skills such as teamwork and endurance to students. Extensive research and studies have shown that participating in a sport can help in the development of a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Simple gestures, such as a high-five or a pat on the back, build confidence and improve bonding between children. Our sports coaching projects involve helping a local sports coach with football training in the mornings and evenings and joining our teaching program as well. Volunteers are expected to be knowledgeable about the sport they wish to train and work with local sports coaches to formulate an effective training plan. Coaching sessions are generally held in the mornings or early in the evenings.

Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure in Costa Rica, one of the happiest countries on earth! This jam-packed program for individuals ages 18-22 throws you into the heart of the action. Hike through lush rainforests in Los Santos, navigate thrilling rapids on the Pacuare River, and kayak through the serene Golfito – no experience necessary, just bring your sense of adventure! Discover the secret to Costa Rica's happiness: the laid-back "Tico" vibe meets a globally inspiring model of eco-stewardship. Learn about sustainability firsthand at a permaculture ranch, living alongside the local community and immersing yourself in the authentic culture. You'll even have the chance to contribute to conservation efforts at a wildlife rescue center, helping to rehabilitate exotic animals like sloths and howler monkeys. Leave Costa Rica feeling empowered, connected, and with a heart full of happy memories.

Are you looking for an adventure gap year in South Africa? Then look no further than the Warriors Academy. Our gap year program is the perfect combination of travel, fun, adventure, and self-development. How is our program structured? Our Gap Year program is structured to include four 7-week Quests. Each Quest has its own set of adventure activities, soft skill workshops, and personal mentoring sessions. During each Quest, you will travel through different parts of South Africa, experiencing wild animal encounters, some of the most sought-after hiking experiences, scuba diving in Sodwana, wine tasting in Cape Town, river rafting on the Orange River, and more. You will be taught several different skill sets focused on equipping the skills needed to live the life you want to live, including TRE, Quantum Logic, Public Speaking workshops, Rebounding, and more. Battling with finding direction? We have you covered with career guidance and personal development workshops. We also aim to give back to the communities we visit through various community-building activities.

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our programs and projects across 6 continents are open all year. Sign up for a program within a field that matches your skills and interests - animal welfare, child care, veterinary, medicine, conservation, etc. Go on a trekking holiday or volunteer on a project you are passionate about. No matter what you do, where you go and how long you stay, we guarantee amazing experiences you will treasure for a lifetime. UK-based Oyster Worldwide has been sending young people to take part in gap year experiences for more than 17 years. We offer over 60 volunteer and paid programs in over 20 countries around the world. We have been working with many host countries for years and have great relationships with them. Our aim is to provide happy, safe and fulfilling experiences, as well as to help participants to return home with a long-term affection for the country they have visited.