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Hockey is becoming an increasingly global sport and this project gives you the opportunity to enhance the game for youngsters who want to share in its popularity.
Hockey in South Africa
Although South Africa is usually associated with its rugby and cricket prowess, the passion for hockey here is extremely strong. However, hockey has not received the same development and attention as rugby, cricket and even football, so the opportunities to develop the younger generations is often lacking, and none more so than in the townships of Port Elizabeth. Perhaps one of the main reasons for this is the difficulty in providing the equipment which can be very expensive for at least two teams of 11 players. However, through our hockey coaching placements, more and more young players are able to play and develop in the sport. In time, the hope is that a new generation of South African talent will be able to assert themselves as a dominant force on the world stage.
Your Placement
We welcome volunteers who enjoy playing or coaching hockey, be it socially with friends, representing your school, club or university team or even as far as holding coaching qualifications. The emphasis is not on developing Africa’s next international hockey 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 players the chance to play the sport they love in an organised and fun environment. Whatever your background, be assured that you will be able to offer something positive to the children and hockey projects you work on.
During the project, you will be largely centred in the townships and schools that skirt the city. The first stage as a coach is to help organise and run training clinics for the children, as well as providing them with decent hockey equipment. This will be a great experience for forming relationships with the players and also for developing your own confidence. The second stage will be planning hockey tournaments that incorporate both matches and team-building activities. Although the focus is on personal skills and sports development, there will be ample opportunity to scout for talented individuals who, with the right support and training, could go on to play professional level hockey. The sports academies with which we work are keen to identify the individuals who will form South Africa’s next generation of pro hockey players.
Your Role
Being a hockey coach in South Africa will mean you are responsible for running and supervising all training and matches for your players. This may sound daunting but you will soon realise that you have an understanding of hockey that your players are desperate for. The rewards are great because the raw talent is often there, but the understanding of the 'basics' and the experience of a team structure are often not. By introducing passing and tackling techniques as well as position holding, movement 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 short corner plays to early morning beach runs, you will soon develop your own coaching programme, unique to you and your players.
Social Life in South Africa
We believe it is important to give volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while 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. 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 volunteer team and pit your chances against the South Africans!
And, if animals are your thing, volunteering in South Africa is an ideal choice. With trips to Kragga Kama Game Park, the Lion Park, the Addo Elephant Park and the Oceanarium, you will certainly experience your fair share of big game and African wildlife. You'll also get the chance to experience a Boma (an authentic South African meal under the stars). What more could you want from a social life abroad?
Other options...
Coach hockey in Ghana, train at a hockey academy in South Africa, train and play hockey in Australia.
We have loads more exciting sports opportunities on offer - simply make an enquiry to receive a free brochure.
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