At a glance
- Work with disadvantaged children to get them active and improve their ability through different sports.
- You’ll be placed at clubs or the Peruvian Sports Institute, working alongside local coaches and learning from them.
- Many families in Peru can’t afford to pay for sports coaching and equipment, so you’ll help us to give more children this opportunity.
Is volunteering as a sports coach in Peru right for me?
If you have a passion for sports and fitness, and want to help children at the same time, coaching sports in Peru is perfect for you!
This is a great way for you to add practical coaching experience to your CV, which could help your future career. You’ll also build your personal skills, like leadership, goal setting, and organisation. You can apply these skills to any career you pursue.
You don’t need any previous experience to join. Local coaches will help guide your work and give you advice, and you can reach out to Projects Abroad staff for help at any time.
This project runs throughout the year, and you can join at any time from a minimum of two weeks. Please be aware that some of our placements do close in certain months. Contact us and we can advise you on the best time to come to Peru.
What will I do as a volunteer teaching sports in Peru?
These are the main activities you can get involved with during your project:
- Coach football, basketball, or volleyball to disadvantaged children at schools and sports institutions
- Research and plan new and creative ways to coach sport
- Develop personal skills like leadership, team building, planning, and motivating others
Your work will focus on these main areas:
Coach football, basketball, or volleyball to children
Your main role will be to coach sports to children, with the main focuses being football, basketball, or volleyball. You’ll assist a local coach, and work with different age groups. Which group you work with depends on your level of experience.
You can coach football to beginners aged 6-9, or intermediate groups aged 12-13. Volleyball coaching is done with ages 6-16, and for basketball coaching you’ll work with ages 8-17.
Sports are also the perfect way for children to learn important life skills like teamwork.
Research and plan new and creative ways to coach sport
Local coaches might not have access to the same information as you. Before and during your project, you can research the latest trends in coaching your sport. You can introduce these new methods to coaches and students, and discuss how to implement them.
Develop personal skills like leadership, team building, planning, and motivating others
Coaching sport is a great way to hone important life skills. By working with children and teenagers, you’ll develop leadership skills and improve your planning skills by organising training sessions. You’ll also learn how to motivate different students to reach their goals. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get hands-on sports coaching experience while in Peru.
Where will I work in Peru?
Cusco
All of our placements are based in Cusco. You can choose to work at a local sports club that specialises in the sport you want to coach, or at the Peruvian Institute of Sport. These placements are well equipped, but need volunteers to teach the large number of children who come for free coaching.
Cusco is a fascinating city rich in cultural and historical significance. It was once the capital of the ancient Incan Empire, and you will be able to see these remains all around the city. The streets are filled with beautiful architecture from centuries of civilisation.
What is a typical day like on this project?
This projects runs from Monday to Friday, in the afternoons. Training sessions are typically between 3pm and 6pm.
In the mornings, you’ll work with local coaches to plan training sessions and team exercises. You can also use this time to research new coaching techniques.
During training sessions in the afternoons, you’ll spend time running drills, improving technique, and building fitness. After training, you’ll return to your host family for dinner.
We recommend using your free time and weekends to explore. There is plenty to see and do around Cusco. Sample some local food at a restaurant, or plan a trip to Machu Picchu.
Aims and Impact of the Sports Club Project in Peru
The main aim of this project is to give disadvantaged children in Peru the opportunity to participate in sports and improve their fitness and ability.
In Peru, sports are popular, but access is limited. Disadvantaged families can’t afford to send their children for lessons or pay for equipment. We work with local clubs and the Peruvian Institute of Sport to give children the chance to get involved. We also focus on helping children improve their fitness and learn life skills like teamwork.
We need your help to do this. As a volunteer, you’ll work with the children and encourage them to get fit and embrace healthy living. You’ll also teach them more about playing the sports they love.
Join us as a sports coach in Peru and help children grow and thrive by getting active.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay with a host family in Cusco. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Peru and have a truly unique experience.
We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your programme fee includes three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
Peru is a vibrant country with a mix of activities for every kind of volunteer. Whether you’re into arts, culture, history, or nature, there’s sure to be something for you!
One of the biggest attractions of Peru is the Inca history. There are awe-inspiring archaeological sites like Coricancha, Tambomachay, and of course, Machu Picchu.
Over a weekend, you can take a trip to the village of Pisac, where you can browse bright, eye-catching textile markets. Don’t miss out on seeing the llamas and alpacas too!
There are also lively restaurants, the perfect place to spend an evening relaxing and enjoying local cuisine, like ceviche.
We run a variety of projects in Peru so you’ll likely meet many other volunteers on your trip. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect and travel as a group. However, you’re welcome to travel independently if you prefer.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
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