Football Coaching Volunteer Project in India, Goa

To book an activity with us we require you to participate for a minimum of two weeks. Therefore, you would need to book a quantity of two for this activity, unless you choose a separate activity to go with it. See the ‘Related trips…’ section for more options.

Football in India
India is by no means associated with football greatness. This is largely to do the fact that cricket dominates nearly every household throughout India. However, football is loved and played by thousands of children in India. Improvised street football matches are just as common as games of street cricket. Sadly, however, this is the limit of football opportunities for most children in India. This is why you, as a volunteer football coach, can make a huge impact to young football players in India by providing structured coaching sessions in local schools in the city of Goa.

Your Football Volunteer Placement
You will work in schools around the city where you will work to establish and improve football coaching classes. In many cases, sport is neglected in Indian schools because, culturally, Indians only promote activities if they see to have a direct benefit on their children’s career. Many schools are therefore very keen for you to engage young people in sport through organised sports activities. During your time you will be placed in various schools coaching football to a wide range of children.

The children are hugely enthusiastic about sport and the schools have its own football teams that compete in small tournaments throughout the year. We welcome football coaching volunteers from all walks of life that are passionate about playing or coaching football. The focus is not on creating India’s next football star, but on giving disadvantaged children the opportunity to play football as part of a structured team or club. Recognised coaching qualifications are, therefore, not required but you are expected to have a reasonable amount of playing or coaching experience.

Your Football Coaching Role
Your role in the schools will be to organise football coaching sessions and matches for the children. These football sessions will take place during the school timetable however those who stay for extended period of time can also look to incorporate additional after school football clubs for the school teams. You will soon discover how effective your football sessions can be since many of the children are talented players that simply haven’t had the opportunity to play in a structured environment. By introducing the basic principles of movement, passing and team play, your football players will improve dramatically. Organising and managing football matches against other schools are great ways for your players to experience the competitive side of sport while also developing a real sense of belonging with their team mates. The physical and health benefits of playing regular football are also an important part of your football coaching project.

Your football coaching schedule can include the following: Warm up routines and stretching guidance, rules and regulations of the game, positions within a team, ball control and footwork, dribbling and passing techniques, shot technique, heading techniques, positional play, set piece play including free kicks, corners and penalties, the basics of goalkeeping, coordination of attacking formations and defence, as well as team work and game play strategy.

CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check
You will need to have a criminal records check completed before taking part in this activity. In the UK this is done through the Disclosure and Barring Service. If you are not a British national then please use an equivalent service in your country. You’ll need to show evidence of this once you arrive in country.

Gap Year and Career Break Football Experience in India
A gap year or career break is a great time to join a sports volunteer coaching project in India where you can coach football, meet hundreds of other participants and experience exciting travel opportunities in India. Taking a constructive trip to India will change you forever, offering you unforgettable memories and providing close friendships that will last long after you return him from your gap year in India.

Arrive any Sunday of the year between 06:00 and 24:00

Early or late arrivals will incur an additional charge for the transfer and extra night including food, so arriving on the Sunday will be your better option.

Your trip will finish on the Saturday morning when you will need to vacate the accommodation.

Please also note that India is known for it’s festivals, so during some periods of your trip this may disrupt normal schedules. However, our in-country team are there to make sure you are kept busy and enjoying all aspects of your India experience.

Equipment Donation for India
To ensure a steady supply of sports equipment is available on our sports projects, part of your volunteer fee is used to buy decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in India. You will often get to use this sports equipment during your project and it is always left with the community when you leave. If an equipment donation is not appropriate, a financial contribution is made instead.

Other Volunteer Projects in India
Although our focus is on creating sporting opportunities for children in India, there are plenty of other areas in the community that need volunteer support. You will, therefore, be welcomed to get involved with a variety of non-sports projects in the local community, ranging from teaching in schools to helping at orphanages. This extra volunteer work adds another dimension to your experience in India, and these projects often become one of the most rewarding parts for our India volunteers.

Social Life in India
Although you are expected to work hard on your sports project, we also want you to have lots of fun in your free time. This is why we organise a variety of social activities to bring volunteers together and show you some of the best bits of Indian culture. The social side of your project is incredibly important and will provide you with some of your happiest memories in India.

Playing Sport in India
If you’re coaching sports with us, the chances are you love to play sport. That’s why we have links with a number of sports clubs in India who welcome you to get involved with training and matches. You will soon discover just how effective sport is for building cross-cultural friendships.

Travel and Adventure in India
India has so much to offer for a keen traveller and adventurer. Our in-country team will help you if you wish to travel to any of the fascinating areas of India that the country is so well known for. From the dazzling scenery of the Himalayas, to the cultural heritage of Agra, to one of the World’s largest camel markets in Pushkar, or take a walk on the wild side on the Rathambore Tiger Safari, there is so much to offer to keep you in awe of this astonishing country. Or simply use your free time to explore the amazing architecture and atmosphere of the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur!

Accommodation in India
Your accommodation will be centrally located to your sports project. You will live with other volunteers in a comfortable and very sociable environment. Our in-country staff are present at the accommodation to answer any questions you have and to ensure you feel safe and secure during your stay in India. There is a communal dining area with full time cooking staff to prepare your meals. You can also use the kitchen to prepare your own meals or learn some authentic cooking skills from our local cooks. There is a television with international cable channels, a DVD player and a collection of movies – perfect for chilling out after a hard day’s project work. There are also other common areas where you will enjoy relaxing and socialising with your fellow volunteers.

Accommodation
Volunteer house with shared rooms (2-8 people per room); Basic but comfortable; Shared toilet and shower facilities; Communal areas for socialising and relaxation designed with an authentic Indian style; internet access and use of a TV with international cable channels; Single and double rooms may also be available – contact us.

Food
3 meals a day are provided on weekdays, and then 2 meals per day on weekends; Basic but nutritious vegetarian meals are provided. Meals are of a typical Indian fare.

Airport Transfer
Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early/late. You be supported at the end of your trip in your onward travel.

Training
A full orientation and project induction takes place in the first few days of your arrival. You will also receive full training relevant to your coaching role in the schools.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Donation
Part of your fee is used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. If you wish to bring further donation, please make sure that this is in the form of equipment and not monetary donations.

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary; Departure transfer.

Preferred Duration
There is no preferred duration but we believe that the longer you can stay the more you will experience and benefit.

Typical Hours
Monday-Friday; 3-5 hours a day; Occasional work at weekends but usually free for personal time and travel. Please be aware that some public holidays may cause disruption to times / days during your volunteer project.

Pre-requisites
No prior coaching experience or qualifications are required, but a basic understanding of the game and/or playing experience is necessary. It is important that you can speak English. Volunteers are required to provide a valid CRB/DBS check in order to take part in the project.

Ideal For
Sports Gap Years and Career breaks; Gap Breaks; Gap Years and Volunteer Travel; Football Coaching in India; Sports Volunteering in Asia; Student Summer Holidays.

Suitable for ages 18 to 80

Most participants are between 18 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community.