Step out of your comfort zone, the world is waiting on you is what I would say to someone hesitant.
I stepped out of teaching and did Sports Development this time around, a truly new and wonderful experience for me!
Sports Development Volunteer Project in South Africa - Cape Town
Purpose
Improve wellbeing through physical activity
Start dates
Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Physically active volunteers who love sport and are interested in education and youth development. As you will be volunteering with the support of the local team and alongside local teachers, you don’t need to have experience in teaching or coaching to participate.
Project details
Looking to score a spot on the Sports Development volunteer team in South Africa? International Volunteer HQ’s Sports Development project is a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to assist with physical education in local schools. Volunteers gain teaching and coaching experience while providing supervision, guidance and enabling students to practice and enjoy a range of sports and improve important social skills.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
South African children are fun-loving, passionate about sport and eager for any opportunity to play their favorite games. However, many schools in the community lack the funds and resources to provide physical education classes for their students. Volunteers help alleviate this issue by providing the supervision and guidance that enables students to practice and enjoy a range of sports and learn about teamwork and sportsmanship.
As a Sports Development volunteer in Cape Town you’ll work with children aged between 6 and 12 years old, and you can expect to teach more than one class with each class lasting about 45 minutes. Volunteer duties usually include:
- Planning and delivering innovative physical education lessons
- Arranging and running games and activities
- Teaching popular local sports or introducing new ones
- Accessing the local curriculum to help guide your lesson planning
- Coaching, mentoring and encouraging students to enjoy sport
It is important to note that resources are limited and if you wish to introduce a sport, you will need to bring any equipment with you. If you choose to volunteer during the school holidays, you will help out on a special holiday project, which involves a variety of activities aimed at promoting physical, social and personal development.
The main South African school holidays usually fall in late March–early April, end of June–mid July, early October, and early December–mid January.
During these periods, the Teaching and Sports Development projects continue in the form of a holiday club for children, which typically includes games, sports, activities, informal teaching, and arts and crafts.
Why do Sports Development volunteering in Cape Town with IVHQ?
As a sports volunteer in South Africa you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to physical education in schools
- Helping students learn and grow in a safe place
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching and coaching experience
- Immersing yourself in South African culture
- Exploring South Africa’s amazing wildlife
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
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IVHQ Sports Development project
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IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
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IVHQ Sports Development project
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IVHQ Sports Development project
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Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
The IVHQ South Africa volunteer program is based in Muizenberg, a beautiful, small coastal town with excellent surfing. It is about a 30 minute drive from the Cape Town City, and up to 15 minutes from volunteer placements located in the Philippi, Steenberg, Capricorn, and Grassy Park townships.
South Africa is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, sporting prowess, and diversity of culture and ethinic groups. It’s turbulent socio-political history is also well known, and is important to learn about in order to gain insight and understanding of the country’s people, culture and attitudes. There are many places where you can do this in Cape Town and the surrounding areas.
The IVHQ South Africa program is one of our longest running volunteer programs and has the aim of delivering positive outcomes in communities throughout the area by placing volunteers on a wide range of impactful projects. There is a focus on animal welfare as well as supporting children and young people who have had a challenging start to life because of exposure to drugs, alcohol or physical abuse.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month and volunteers need to arrive in Cape Town on the day before orientation. If your start date falls on a public holiday, your orientation will begin on the day following the public holiday.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Muizenberg. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation and checkout is on Saturday.
If you are traveling in South Africa prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up within the Cape Town CBD area on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is taken by our South Africa team in Muizenberg, Cape Town. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in South Africa – an introduction to South Africa, South African customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in South Africa, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and make plans for weekend travel and socializing. Once your orientation is complete you will take a trip into Cape Town before returning to your volunteer accommodation.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical volunteer day would be as follows:
| 07:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer house. |
| 8:00 - 8:30 AM | Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. |
| 12:00 - 2:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer house for lunch, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. |
| 5:00 - 9:00 PM | Dinner is available at the volunteer house. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
On the weekends, volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Cape Town or other areas in South Africa. See unusual wildlife like antelope and penguins, visit the spot where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, paraglide off a rock high above the city, visit a local vineyard, or watch the sun sink into the Atlantic ocean with a glass of the region’s finest wine in your hand.
Long weekends can be taken if volunteers wish to go on safari, bungy jump, or travel to places further afield, such as the Garden Route or Stellenbosch.
Accommodation and WiFi
All volunteers are accommodated in a large two-storey dormitory style volunteer house with capacity for approximately 45 volunteers, with rooms separated by gender. Rooms comfortably sleep 6 people. The rooms on the second floor lead out to a balcony that overlooks the village. Bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided.
The house has 6 bathrooms, a TV lounge, a dining area and a volunteer kitchen. The house is clean and well looked after, and living is comfortable.
The volunteer house has electricity and running water with Western toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own towel and toiletries. During the Winter (June through August) Cape Town can get quite cold and it’s recommended to bring an extra blanket.
The accommodation is safe and secure with the volunteer house located in Muizenberg, a safe suburb approximately 15 minutes from the communities where volunteers work. Muizenberg is a very historical part of Cape Town and the house you will be living in for the duration of your stay is about 150 years old.
The volunteer house has unlimited Wifi 5G with a very good connection. The beach, a supermarket, ATMs, a pharmacy, medical centre and restaurants etc. are all within walking distance from the house.
Meals
Volunteers in South Africa receive three meals a day, Monday through Friday. Breakfast will also be available on weekends. Meals served in the volunteer house are typically Western-style and can be high in carbohydrates.
Breakfast is basic and consists of self-serve tea, coffee, toast and cereal. Lunch and dinner consist of dishes containing meat, vegetables and a starch, such as potatoes, bread or pasta.
It is not possible to drink tap water in South Africa, however, bottled water is readily available in South Africa, and you should budget approximately $5 (approximately $5) per week for 2 liters a day.
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer living room
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer dining area
Typical volunteer dining area
Typical volunteer dining area
Volunteer accomodation
Volunteer accomodation
Volunteer accomodation
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Exploring Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring South Africa during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape of Good Hope during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Muizenburg Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Table Mountain during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring South Africa during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Table Mountain during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Muizenburg Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape of Good Hope during an IVHQ weekend
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately $329), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
Duration
|
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $285 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 2 weeks | $455 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 3 weeks | $625 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 4 weeks | $795 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 5 weeks | $965 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,135 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,475 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,815 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,155 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,835 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 20 weeks | $3,515 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 24 weeks | $4,195 Equivalent to $25/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Weekday meals and breakfast on weekends
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from your placement
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Weekend lunches and dinners
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular tours & experiences in Cape Town
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Cape Town program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
$33
Check what's required to visit South Africa
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Pretoria (Executive), Bloemfontein (Judicial), Cape Town (Legislative) |
| Population | 58.6 million |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Tswana |
| Currency | South African Rand (ZAR) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
The subtropical location, moderated by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on three sides of the country and the altitude of the central plateau, are responsible for the warm temperatures typical of South Africa. Across much of the country, summer (December to February) is characterized by hot, sunny weather with temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F). Winter (May to September) is cooler and drier with evening temperatures averaging around 10 °C (50°F). In Cape Town, sporadic showers and chilly winds are common during the winter months, but with daytime temperatures can average around 15°C (59°F).
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
CC
Carol Cheeks
...
JC
Joseph Coy
During the program I realised and appreciated the lifestyle of children and adults in the community we worked in. Also away from school I learned about the local culture. In the house I also met volunteers from many parts of the world and learned about their traditions and cultures. It is a great way to meet friends, of all ages and all cultures, some friendships will last a lifetime. It is also great to see how many volunteers I have met previously returning to the programme.
I would recommend the programme to anyone who is thinking about doing volunteer work. If you are going alone it is not a problem as you will soon be made welcome by the other volunteers and make new friendships almost as soon as you arrive. There is a supermarket, many shops and cafes nearby.
...
JC
Joseph Coy
Having been involved with the programme previously I was aware of what to expect but every day was still a new learning day, different volunteers from different parts of the world. Anyone thinking of going for a first time should not hesitate. The people you meet at the programme and the volunteers you meet become friends and you will have memories for a lifetime.
...
EJ
Evie Jarvis
I really enjoyed my time spent on the IVHQ sports programme. I learnt a lot about the different culture out in South Africa, and its amazing to see how different it is compared to the rest of the world, particularly where I'm from. I gained a lot more confidence completing this program; making new friends, trying new foods, going to new places etc. It is also a great way to gain experience with children of different backgrounds, learning how to react if and when they do things, how to communicate with them, but also how to gain that bond with them, and how they can gain your trust, particularly if they have learning difficulties or come from a difficult background.
A piece of advice for someone wanting to do something like this is just do it. It doesn't matter how long you go for, it is so worth it. There is never a dull moment, and everyone in the team at the accommodation I was staying at made me feel at home, and you will make friends very quickly and you will most likely find someone or a group of individuals that you will bond with the best!
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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