Coach Sports in Jamaica with Projects Abroad

  Jamaica

Mandeville

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year Round/Rolling Starts

Description: Sports are given a high priority in many Jamaican schools and the country is extremely proud of its sporting achievements, including having the most Olympic success per capita of any country in the world in track and field. By taking part in a voluntary sports project in Jamaica you can help to inspire the next generation of sporting talent.

The most popular sport is soccer, but cricket, basketball, athletics and netball are also widely taught in schools. Football is ingrained in the Jamaican culture and boys' football competitions get impressive attendance. Cricket is a lasting memento of the colonial days; however, over time the sport has gained fans and players from all social backgrounds and is now popular across Jamaica regardless of economic status or background. Basketball is a much more recent sporting addition in schools and has become the fastest growing sport on the island in the last ten years.

* Coach Sports in Jamaican Schools with Projects Abroad

Whichever sports you enjoy, if you have a passion for developing sports in schools you can help to coach children as a volunteer sports coach. We offer our volunteer sport coaches the opportunity to work with local sports teachers in both primary and secondary schools in and around the inland town of Mandeville. Volunteers also work with the only Sports Officer for the parish to help oversee and coordinate all sporting activities in the parish.

While volunteering abroad you could dedicate your time to the sport you love or help with a range of lessons. You can also combine your sports placement with teaching English or other subjects. Just let us know where your interests lie once you have applied and we will match you to a suitable school.

You can volunteer on a Sports coaching project in Jamaica without any previous experience of coaching, although it is fantastic if you already have some. Volunteers are welcome no matter what stage of life they are at - during a gap year from education or a career break or even as an alternative holiday. All we ask is that you have a passion for sport and a desire to help others to develop their own sporting ability.

* Volunteering Abroad on Sports Projects in Jamaica

Helping to involve children in sports in Jamaica means that the children become fitter and healthier, as well as giving them a sense of belonging to a team with a shared passion and goal. This in turn has positive benefits for the wider society because many of the youth in the local community are inspired to engage in sports outside of school, which can keep them away from less wholesome activities, and give them vital structure and purpose.

There may also be the opportunity to help with some specialist sports clubs after school.

Highlights: Volunteers in Jamaica are spoilt for choice in terms of travel opportunities, both at the weekends or after volunteering. The Milk River Bath is a popular day trip from Mandeville, this natural hot spring is renowned for its healing powers, and is a relaxing way to spend the day after a busy week at work.

Further a field literally hundreds of paradise beaches await, with added attractions at places like Ocho Rios, home to the aptly named Eden Falls, where you can tube or raft down the river. Water sports like diving and snorkeling are popular around the entire coast or lie back in a hammock and sample a classic Jamaican rum cocktail.

Finally, no experience of Jamaica is complete without experiencing the vibrant music scene. Strains of Jamaica's most famous citizen, Bob Marley will undoubtedly follow you everywhere on the island and spectacular music festivals take place throughout the year.

All accommodation is organized, paid for and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in Jamaica.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications: none

Cost in US$: From USD 2,895 Up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open-minded with a willingness to travel.

Age Range: 16-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Jamaica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992