Rugby Coaching & Playing Experience in Ghana, Accra

Rugby in Ghana
Although Rugby is already played in Ghana and some club teams exist, there is a lack of structure and funding at the grass-roots level. However, the passion for Ghanaian sport spreads into Rugby and there are many young players who want the chance to develop their skills. Through this rugby coaching placement, you can experience the African game while making a positive difference to the advancement of Ghana’s next up-and-coming sport.

Your Rugby Volunteer Placement
The project will see volunteers work in two areas. The first is at the Accra Rugby Club (ARC), and the second is in the surrounding schools. Many Ghanaian school children are not familiar with Rugby. However, as with most sports, the children are always keen to try new sports, especially when they have the opportunity to play and learn in a structured environment. By coaching the game and running training in the capital’s schools, you will soon identify the committed and talented players. It is these players that the ARC is keen to take into their club and develop to the next level. In addition to coaching, volunteers will have the chance to play alongside the senior players at the ARC. This is a unique chance to build cultural friendships and experience the strength of the West African game firsthand.

Your Rugby Coaching Role
As a rugby volunteer, you will start by working in schools and introducing the basics of the game for 12-16 year olds. This will be largely during PE lessons but you will also be encouraged to create after school clubs for the keener players. You will need a good understanding of how to teach the game because many of the children will have never seen it played and will therefore have very little, if any, grasp of the rules. However, with dedication and perseverance, the children are sure to pick it up and prove to be solid players.

The other key part of the project will be scouting for the most promising players. You will able to work with them in smaller groups and put them forward to train at the ARC. Depending on your ability, you will then be able to work with the ARC to push aspiring players to the peak of their game, focusing on the more technical aspects of the game, such as scrummages, mauls and kicking. The ARC runs during the week but, at weekends, the players may be introduced to the competitive side of the sport through interclub matches. Depending on the time of year, you may also have the opportunity to join the senior club players at the ARC. This will give you the chance to train yourself and potentially take part in club matches. This will also give you a great insight into the social life that surrounds sport through many post match celebrations!

Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.

Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.

2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.

3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.

4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.

Gap Year, Student Placements and Career Break Rugby Options in Ghana
A gap year in Ghana allows you to combine a rugby gap year in Ghana with exciting gap year travel in Ghana. You will also meet lots of other gap year volunteers in Ghana, making your time in Ghana a truly memorable gap year experience.

You can arrive any weekend of the year to start the project on a Monday. We’ll pick you up from the airport and take you back to the accommodation to settle you in and meet the rest of the team.

Please note that some national holidays may cause disruption to normal sessions but our in-country team will do their best to support activities around this.

Visa
British Nationals (and most visitors to Ghana) will require a visa to enter Ghana and we suggest you apply for a tourist visa. You can check your visa requirements by visiting the Ghana High Commission website. Please search online for details.

Everyone will also require a yellow fever vaccination to enter Ghana and a certificate to prove you have had this. You should contact your travel nurse/doctor to discuss this further.

Optional Teaching in Ghana
In addition to your coaching role, you will have the opportunity to teach classes, or assist in teaching classes, in one of the sports academies or schools based in Accra. This will give you another impacting experience while allowing you to make a difference outside the world of sport. With a western education, you will be able to contribute massively to the standard of tuition that the students receive. Subject areas include English (language and literature), math, science, journalism, business, IT, RE and a whole variety of extra-curricular activities.

Other Options in Ghana
It is likely that there will be a whole variety of other activities you can get involved with while you are away. Because we have focused in-country teams, they will be able to inform you of other opportunities both inside and outside the capital. This gives you a unique chance to combine projects and experience the country in a whole variety of ways.

Equipment Donation for Ghana
We are dedicated to sustainable development. This is why part of the fee you pay goes towards buying decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in Ghana. You will often use this equipment during your project and it is always left with the community when you leave. In some cases, an equipment donation may not be appropriate so a financial contribution is made instead.

Social Life in Ghana
Our social life is unrivalled and we believe it is important to give volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. Some of these activities include visits to the best night spots, group meals, trips away and sports teams where you can to take on local competition.

Akpateshi FC
If you fancy a game of footy while you are away, or simply enjoy the social side of football, you should join our volunteer team, Akpateshi FC. This gives you the chance to play alongside the other volunteers and challenge some serious African opposition. However, although the team has a competitive edge, the emphasis is on the social side of football and is aptly named after the locally brewed bush whiskey! If you play in the team, or simply become a supporter, you will soon see why Akpateshi FC is so renowned for its unpredictable matches and fiery social life.

Travel and Adventure in Ghana
You will be encouraged to explore Ghana during your free time so you can sample some of its breathtaking sights and meet some of Africa’s friendliest people. The capital, Accra, is full of great places to visit and you will meet both locals and other travellers at a variety of bars and restaurants that provide authentic African live music and dancing. There are also a large number of western-style pubs and clubs, including an Irish Bar, an American Sports Bar and a series of dance-venues very close to where you are living. And, if you fancy a football experience to remember, then prepare yourself for watching Hearts of Oak at the National Stadium where the locals wave flags, blow horns and dance on the roofs of the terraces!

Beyond Accra, there are countless places to visit. You could take a Sunday pleasure-cruise on Lake Volta (the biggest man-made lake in Africa) or you might want to visit the history-laden slave castles of Cape Coast and Elmina. You may want to take a walk on the wild side with the elephants at Mole National Park or spot tropical birds in the rainforest canopy at Kakum National Park. Then there is the 60-metre-high Wli waterfalls, the Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (where monkeys are preserved as ‘sacred’ creatures!) and the endless palm-tree beaches lining the Atlantic coastline! The captivating places, intriguing people and diverse landscapes will make Ghana one of the most enlightening experiences a traveller could wish for. Our in-country team will also help you build a travelling itinerary and give you plenty of advice on how to make your way through the country.

Accommodation
The accommodation is basic but comfortable and you will stay in a dormitory style room. The accommodation has a very sociable atmosphere and you will find it a great place to relax and unwind in the evenings. The accommodation is also centrally located to the placements. Shops and other useful amenities are either a short walk or taxi ride away.

Accommodation
Communal House; Basic but comfortable; Dormitory style rooms (4-10 people per room); Shared toilets and showers.

Food
3 meals a day; Basic but nutritious local foods

Airport Pick-Up
Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early.

Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.

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

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Payment for transport to / from placement; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary.

Preferred Duration
Volunteers should try to come for as long as possible preferably for 8 or 12 weeks. This ensures better management of the project and also helps you get the most from the social activities and group travel opportunities on offer.

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. You also need to be healthy and of reasonable fitness.

Ideal For
Rugby Coaching Holidays and Placements in Africa; Sports Activity Breaks in Africa; Sports Coaching Gap Years and Career Breaks in Africa; Student Summer Holidays.

Suitable for ages 17 to 20

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. We have even had people in their late 70s join us so don't be put off!