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Help organise fun games and tournaments for township children... Befriend your players and give them a real sense of belonging... Work, play and teach alongside volunteers and locals...
What to expect
Take your enjoyment of cricket and share it with young township players in Port Elizabeth, South Africa's Friendly City, and give them the chance to learn and play the game they are so passionate about. No experience is needed and you'll join a close community of sports enthusiasts by living, exploring and socialising with other volunteers and locals. Spot Africa's big game on safari, skydive over the African coast, Scuba dive in the warm Indian Ocean and experience friendly local bars and vibrant African cricket matches, all in the sports capital of South Africa. (No prior coaching experience or qualifications are required, just an ability to work with children and organise activities.)
Cricket in South Africa
No-one need explain how passionate South Africans are about their cricket! The sport is followed and played by thousands throughout the country and many improvised games are seen in the streets of the Port Elizabeth townships. World-class players such as Shaun Pollock and Jacques Kallis continue to fuel the pride and passion for South African cricket. And in the townships, the children look to Makhaya Ntini and imagine themselves being the next black cricketer to represent the nation in test match cricket. However, like most sports in South Africa, the talent remains undiscovered and undeveloped in the townships.
Your Placement
It is with your help as a cricket coach that these township hopes can begin to be turned into a sports reality. However, although this may appear intense, it really isn't. We welcome volunteers with any level of cricket experience, be it playing socially with friends, representing your school, club or university team or even as far as holding coaching qualifications. The emphasis isn't on developing Africa's next international cricket players, but about working alongside children from less-advantaged backgrounds and building friendships over a common ground. It is from here that you will start to give enthusiastic, young players the chance to play the sport they love in an organised and fun environment. Whatever your background or skill-level, be assured that you will be able to offer something both positive and unique to the children and cricket projects you work on.
Your Role
As a cricket coach in South Africa you will be responsible for running and supervising all training and matches for the players. This may sound daunting, but it really isn't! You will soon realise that you have an abundance of knowledge and an understanding of cricket that the players are so desperate to have. The rewards are great because the raw talent is there but the understanding of 'basics' and the experience of a team structure are often not. By introducing simple batting and fielding techniques, as well as position holding and team play, your players will develop rapidly. You will also have solid support from the other volunteers, our in-country staff and local coaches who will give you all the training methods and ideas that you might need. From technical bowling theory to beach cricket, you will soon develop your own coaching programme, unique to you and your players.
However, being a cricket coach is much more than just organising sports activities for young players. You will become their friend and, more importantly, you will be their mentor. It will be your role to support and encourage your players throughout your placement, giving them the sense of belonging that is so often lacking. You will also be given a comprehensive induction from our in-country staff who will explain your role in a lot more detail, what is expected of you and simple ways to get the most out of your time coaching cricket in South Africa.
Social Events
We believes it is important to give volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun whilst they are away. The in-country team therefore organises a variety of 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. With so many 'sporty' people living together, social teams are a must. You will have more than enough time to play volleyball and football on the beach and we may finally find out who are the better athletes - footballers, hockey players, rugby players or cricketers?! There is also a whole variety of local teams that you can play with and, if you fancy the challenge, you can create your own team and pit your chances against the South Africans!
And, if animals are your thing, being a sports coach in South Africa is an ideal choice. With trips to Kagga Kamma Game Park, the Lion Park, the Addo Elephant Park and the Oceanarium (to see dolphins), you will certainly experience your fair share of big game and African wildlife. Not forgetting paintball, of course, or your chance to experience a Boma (an authentic South African meal under the stars!). What more could you want from a social life abroad?
Sundowners FC
If you fancy exchanging your bat and pads for football boots, or simply want to get involved with a bit of 'supporting', our very own football team, Sundowners FC, will give you the perfect opportunity to show off your footy skills. The side has an emphasis on the social aspect of football and ensures that the matches finish before the sun goes down, just in time for an afternoon drink! You will play alongside other volunteers, children and locals against a variety of other local teams. This will give you great experience in building cross-cultural friendships as well as enjoying Sundowners FC's fiery post-match social celebrations!
Other options...
Cricket coaching in Ghana, cricket training academy in Australia (Perth) or South Africa (Port Elizabeth), cricket training and playing in Australia (Brisbane).
We have loads more exciting sports opportunities on offer - simply make an enquiry to receive a free brochure.
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