SPORT.
We offer projects coaching sports in schools, dedicated sports clubs, and community centres.
Football is the national sport in Ghana and its popularity can be seen everywhere. From the numerous soccer flags on cars, stickers in taxis, locals in football jerseys, or kids playing in the street, it is immediately apparent that Ghanaians are extremely passionate about football. Given the 'Black Stars' - the Ghanaian team - successful performance in recent World Cups, football in Ghana can only continue to get bigger and better.
Our football projects in Ghana provide an opportunity for all young players to develop their basic skills and techniques with the hope that some may achieve the success of stars like Michael Essien, Andre Ayew, Asamoah Gyan or Stephen Appiah. There will also be the opportunity to see one of Ghana's many top division club teams - like Kotoko, Ashanti Gold and Hearts of Oak - in action. Volunteers sometimes take young players to games to help with their football development and to provide a well-earned break from their sport coaching.
By joining our sports project, our volunteers have the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of a youth academy. Volunteers will take part in the morning meeting with the local coaches to prepare the training session, do match analysis, and discuss the weekly schedule. In the afternoons you will work with a youth team, giving them the benefit of your newly acquired coaching knowledge and skills. This project is a fantastic chance to improve your skills and ability while also helping local children to develop their game. If you are good enough, you may even be selected to play for one of the local third division teams in one of their friendly games.
Our volunteers with more experience, those holding a Soccer Association Coaching certificate for instance, will be able to assist the coaches in training the senior team. During your time coaching football in the afternoons you will be responsible for the development of young players' basic skills and techniques. You will co-ordinate coaching sessions around topics such as development of ball control, accurate passing, keeping possession, game tactics, and moving into space. Furthermore, you will help the coaches to plan match strategies and take practice games. You will probably be asked to assist in team selection and may even be required to be 'on the bench' for weekend or evening matches.
