Boxing Experience in South Africa, Port Elizabeth

Boxing in South Africa
South Africans harbour an intense passion for boxing, establishing themselves as a formidable force on the international stage with their toughness and technical prowess. Despite this fervour, access to well-structured training environments remains limited for many aspiring boxers. Ironically, numerous talented individuals reside in and around South Africa’s townships, their boxing potential left untapped. Opportunities to pursue boxing in these areas are scarce. Many youngsters dream of becoming the next boxing champion, but without adequate avenues for play and development, these dreams often remain confined to the townships.

Alongside the love for boxing as a sport, boxing can play a pivotal role in teaching discipline to children who lack structure in their educational and home lives. In these areas, boxing gyms can become a valuable safe space for disadvantaged youth, and offer a route out of the challenges that come with living in such challenging circumstances.

Your Boxing Experience
As a boxing coach, you will play a pivotal role in transforming these dreams into reality. We welcome participants who have a love for boxing, whether gained through social participation, representing institutions, or possessing coaching qualifications. The focus is not solely on producing future international boxers, but on connecting with children from disadvantaged backgrounds through a shared love for boxing. Your role involves organising training sessions at local schools, providing necessary equipment, and fostering an organised and enjoyable environment. Regardless of your background, rest assured that you will bring a positive influence to the children and boxing projects you engage with.

Under the guidance of our in-country team, you’ll be stationed in the townships and schools surrounding Port Elizabeth. Your primary objective is to run training sessions and supply quality boxing equipment. This experience offers a chance to build lasting friendships and enhance your coaching confidence. While personal skills and sports development are at the forefront, your keen eye may identify talented individuals who, with proper support and boxing training, could potentially become professional boxers. The boxing gyms that we collaborate with are eager to identify the next generation of boxing champions in South Africa.

Your Boxing Coaching Role
As a boxing coach in South Africa, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all training for your aspiring athletes. While initially daunting, you’ll quickly realise the value of your understanding of boxing fundamentals, something your athletes eagerly seek. Introducing basic skills, movement, position holding, and discipline will propel your boxers’ rapid development. Support from fellow coaches and our in-country staff ensures you have access to the necessary training methods and ideas. From technical skills  to conditioning exercises, you’ll craft a unique boxing coaching programme tailored to you and your athletes.

Training Opportunities with Partner Gyms
In addition to your coaching responsibilities, our programme offers a unique opportunity for participants to enhance their own boxing skills. We are connected with various gyms in the region, where our participants can train alongside experienced coaches and boxers. If the timing is right, you can even witness organised fights within in the township communities. This dual experience not only benefits the local community but also allows our participants to immerse themselves in the training culture of South African boxing. Whether you’re a seasoned boxer or a novice, these training sessions provide a valuable chance to learn, grow, and share the universal language of boxing with the local community.

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.

2025
11th Jan – 4 to 12 weeks
08th Feb – 4 to 8 weeks
08th Mar – 4 weeks
12th Apr – 4 to 12 weeks
10th May – 4 to 8 weeks
07th Jun – 4 weeks
26th Jul – 4 weeks
30th Aug – 4 to 12 weeks
27th Sep – 4 to 8 weeks
25th Oct – 4 weeks

2026
10th Jan – 4 to 12 weeks
07th Feb – 4 to 8 weeks
07th Mar – 4 weeks
11th Apr – 4 to 12 weeks
09th May – 4 to 8 weeks
06th Jun – 4 weeks
18th Jul – 4 weeks
22nd Aug – 4 to 12 weeks
19th Sep – 4 to 8 weeks
17th Oct – 4 weeks

Note 1: 4 weeks = 28 nights, 5 weeks = 35 nights, 6 weeks = 42 nights, 7 weeks = 49 nights, 8 weeks = 56 nights, 9 weeks = 63 nights, 10 weeks = 70 nights, 11 weeks = 77 nights, 12 weeks = 84 nights

Note 2: dates are based on school holidays and are subject to change.

Note 3: All programmes run from Saturday to Saturday.

Note 4: These participant dates are based on the current published school terms in South Africa. However, based on future developments they may change at short notice. We will update you as soon as any changes take place.

Road Trip to Cape Town – GBP £430
We also run a 7 night road trip from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, which may reduce your community activity by one week, so check the session you are booking. On the final day, you can either part ways from Cape Town or head back on our minibus arriving in Port Elizabeth approx. 15:00. You can stay at our accommodation that night if required.

Road Trip Dates 2025
28th Mar – 04th Apr
27th Jun – 04th Jul
22nd – 29th Aug
14th – 21st Nov

Road Trip Dates 2026
28th Mar – 03rd Apr
26th Jun – 03rd Jul
14th – 21st Aug
6th – 13th Nov

Visa
British Nationals only require a visa to enter South Africa if they intend on staying over 90 days but this can be extended once in-country. We recommend you research this yourself depending on what Nationality you are.

Equipment Donation for South Africa
We are dedicated to sustainable development. This is why part of the fee you pay goes towards buying decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in South Africa. 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.

Sports Camps
The majority of your volunteer project will coincide with the school term but during school holidays you will be able to coach at sports camps in or around the Port Elizabeth area. There is a big need for volunteer coaches at these camps and they are a fantastic way of coaching sports to children who do not usually have access to sports during term time. The camps expose sport to a large number of African children and are something the young athletes have come to depend on and really enjoy. The camps also allow you to see other parts of South Africa that you would not otherwise experience.

Other Volunteer Projects
In addition to your main sports coaching project, you can get involved with some non-sports volunteer projects if you wish. Projects range from care work with orphans to teaching in local schools. And with a western education, you will be able to make a significant contribution to the standard of teaching that the young students receive. Subject areas include English, maths, science, business, IT, and a whole variety of extra-curricular activities. Many volunteers find this element of their volunteer trip one of the most rewarding.

Social Life in South Africa
We believe it is important to give our volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of social activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. The social life in South Africa really is second to none and you will return home with some truly unforgettable memories and friends for life. With so many sporty people living together, social sports teams are pretty much unavoidable and there are plenty of local teams to play for. For the less competitive, why not head to the beach for some casual volleyball and football matches in the African sunshine? You’ll also get to experience plenty of Bomas during your stay (authentic South African barbeques under the stars). Sport, friendship and lots of laughs – what more could you want from a social life abroad?

Playing Sport in South Africa
Alongside contributing to meaningful community work and enjoying the South African experience of a lifetime, many of our participants relish the opportunity to engage in a high standard of local sport, through training or playing with a local club.

Having operated in the local sport scene for well over a decade, we are incredibly well connected with local clubs, and proudly watch as many of our volunteers represent local teams in a multitude of sports.

From training at the world-famous St George’s Cricket Ground, having 1-2-1 sessions with a former SA National Hockey player, to lacing up the boots and representing a Women’s Rugby club, our volunteers have truly done it all.

Alongside this, we also have a social 5-a-side football team, as well as a competitive one which takes on local sides in weekly fixtures.

Accommodation
Your 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 your volunteer project with shops and other useful amenities either a short walk or taxi ride away. With so many volunteers living together, you will soon find our communal house your new home, away from home.

Accommodation
A lodge with shared rooms (4-10 people per room); Basic but comfortable; Shared toilet and shower facilities; Communal areas for socialising and relaxation including pool, TV and games room and bar; Single and double rooms may also be available if requested and booked pre-departure.

View our accommodation photo album.

Food
3 meals a day Mon to Fri and 2 meals (breakfast and lunch) a day at weekends.

Arrival Pick-Up & Transfers
Included on arrival and departure date. Early arrival will be subject to an additional charge.

Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.

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

Donation
Part of your fee may be used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. We also encourage you to bring any extra equipment that you are happy to give away but this will need to fall within your personal weight allowance with the airline you travel with. It’s important you discuss the distribution of these items with our in-country team.

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Laundry service; Boxing Gym Membership; Transport to Extra Sport Activities; 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; 4-6 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 sport and training experience is necessary. You need to be of reasonable health and fitness.

Ideal for
Boxing Placements in Africa; Sports Coaching and Activity Breaks in South Africa; Boxing Gap Years and Career Breaks in Africa; and Student Summer Holidays.

Suitable for ages 17 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. We have even had people in their late 70s join us so don't be put off!