Sports Coaching with Kids in Zanzibar

WHY we need you in Zanzibar

kids playing footy

HOW can you help?

WHAT can you do?

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

Students during break time

  PROJECT NAME: SPORTS COACHING 

LOCATION: STONE TOWN

  START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS) 

  ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE

  MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK

  MIN AGE: 16+

  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required, Inbound travel insurance only from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, Resume, Passport Scan

Overview

Sports are an integral part of human life and hold great significance in various aspects. Engaging in sports helps individuals achieve fitness goals, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent youth from indulging in vices like smoking and alcohol. Participation in sports also fosters character and personality development, making individuals advocates for sports in the long run. Research indicates that children involved in sports often perform better academically because physical activity enhances cognitive abilities.

Sports in Tanzania
Tanzania is renowned for producing world-class athletes, particularly in athletics, the dominant sport in the country. Other popular sports include basketball, baseball, cricket, and rugby. The country invests significantly in sports due to the deep passion Tanzanians have for various sports.

Sports Coach Program
This sports coach program is designed for passionate individuals eager to teach children the value and power of sports. You will work with students of various age groups and skill levels, helping them learn and grow in their chosen sports. Your role as a coach will enhance their sports experience, hone their skills, and foster their passion for sports. Coaching sessions will take place at local schools in Stone town.

Daily Coaching Sessions
You will conduct daily coaching sessions, using your own methods to train students. Your coaching will not only improve their sports skills but also inspire them to achieve more in life, instil discipline, and teach them how to handle failures. This experience will be particularly meaningful for children with limited resources, motivating them to strive for greatness.

Coaching Options
The program includes coaching options for popular sports in Tanzania, such as football, basketball, rugby, athletics, and cricket. Bring your passion, energy, and any training aids or equipment, as resources may be limited in some areas.

Specific Sports Coaching

Football: Football is the most popular sport in Tanzania. You will work with U12, U14, and U17 teams at local schools, academies, and clubs. Teach additional coaching techniques to help children excel in the sport.

Basketball: Focus on dribbling, offense, defence, jump shots, and teamwork. Your coaching will help young athletes improve their game and train them for competitive events.

Cricket: Emphasize batting skills, hand-eye coordination, reflexes, strength, speed, sound judgment, and understanding cricket rules and strategies.

Rugby: Teach the fundamentals, rules, and strategies, as many children may be unfamiliar with the sport.

Baseball: Focus on running, fielding, throwing, hitting, catching, and hitting for power. Your coaching will help increase participation and skill levels.

Athletics: Help children improve speed, stamina, strength, and skill, nurturing their dreams of representing Tanzania on the world stage.

Program Guidelines

  • Be punctual and prepared for coaching sessions.
  • Respect local program coordinators, staff, and the community.
  • Use engaging and fun training methods.
  • Adhere to safety guidelines and protocols.
  • Be responsible and careful with sports equipment and facilities.
  • Maintain a clean and organized training area.
  • Wear appropriate sports gear.
  • Conduct warm-up exercises before sessions.
  • Monitor children’s health and physical condition.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption during the program.
  • Stay hydrated and enjoy the experience.

Note: Further rules and regulations will be discussed by the local staff or Country Manager upon arrival.

Location

Stone Town is an historic and cultural city located on the island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its beautiful architecture, narrow streets, bustling markets, and rich history. It has a unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences can be seen in its buildings, food, and culture. 

Project Tasks

  • Teaching relevant skills, tactics, and techniques.
  • Introducing basic rules and regulations for each sport.
  • Organizing game plans and matches.
  • Monitoring and enhancing performance through encouragement, motivation, and constructive feedback.
  • Identifying children’s development needs, strengths, and weaknesses.
  • Advising on health and lifestyle issues.

Food & Accommodation

You will be accommodated in a traditional and comfortable guesthouse in Chukwani, close to the popular area of Stone Town, making it a convenient location for visitors exploring the island’s rich history and culture. The village offers a more local experience compared to the bustling tourist areas. Bedrooms are shared (2-8 per room, single gender), communal bathrooms, a kitchen, and a shared living room.  Bed linen, fans, and lockable rooms are all provided. No Wi-Fi, although local sim cards can easily be purchased nearby. You will can find a few small local stores that sell snacks, drinks and any basic supplies you might need during your stay. Nearby, there are ATM’s, banks, shops, a local pharmacy, etc.

The nearest beach to Chukwani is typically the beach at Buyu, about 30 minutes away by walking. Buyu Beach is known for its calm waters and beautiful scenery, making it a great spot for relaxation and swimming.

All meals will be provided at the guesthouse during your stay (3 on weekdays and 2 on weekends). Local meals are typical of Zanzibari culture, such as wali (rice), ugali (maize porridge), nyama choma (grilled meat), mshikaki (marinated beef), samaki (fish), pilau (rice mixed with a variety of spices), biriyani, and ndizi-nyama (plantains with meat). Once per week all participants create together the weekly food plan.

*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.

 
All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $525
  • 2 Weeks - $655
  • 3 Weeks - $955
  • 1 Month - $1175
  • 2 Months - $2195
  • 3 Months - $3175
Vol house
What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Airport Pickup
  • Local Transportation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion

FAQ

If you love working with young people, are energetic and want to inspire the future generation, then yes absolutely! This is perfect for those looking for some experience in teaching sports and wanting to give back at the same time. 

  • Accommodation
  • 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
  • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
  • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
  • 1 day orientation
  • Daily transportation to project
  • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
  • Fundraising support
  • University course credits (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Airfares
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Included in the program fees is a half day orientation which starts on the Monday.

08-0830 – Breakfast

0900-1100 – Stone town City Orientation

1100hrs -1130hrs  – Spoken Orientation

12-13 – Lunch

1300hrs – Swahili basic lesson

14hrs 1430- Handling of documents such as code of conduct, house rules, child protection policies and Project meeting.

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. If arriving on Saturday, there is a fee for the extra night.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) on Saturday or Sunday between 6AM to 9PM.

If arriving outside of the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and an extra fee for a private transfer.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 15-30 minutes by car to Stone Town and around 1.5 hours to Nungwi.   

Monday & Tuesday

  • Breakfast
  • Leave Accommodation Center to Transfer to the Placement Areas.
  • Coaching Sessions.
  • Headed Back to the Accommodation Center.
  • Lunch
  • Free Time – Half day Break
  • Coaching Sessions.
  • Headed back to the Accommodation Center.
  • Dinner

Wednesday

  • Breakfast
  • Leave Accommodation Center to Transfer to the Placement Areas.
  • Coaching Sessions.
  • Lunch
  • Free Time – Half day Break
  • Coaching Sessions
  • Headed back to the Accommodation Center
  • Dinner

Thursday

  • Breakfast
  • Leave Accommodation Center to Transfer to the Placement Areas.
  • Coaching Sessions;
  • Headed Back to the Accommodation Center.
  • Lunch
  • Free Time – Half day Break
  • Coaching Sessions
  • Headed back to the Accommodation Center
  • Dinner

Friday

  • Breakfast
  • Leave Accommodation Center to Transfer to the Placement Areas.
  • Coaching Sessions.
  • Lunch
  • Free Time – Half day Break
  • Coaching Sessions
  • Headed back to the Accommodation Center
  • Dinner

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 

Here are some of the best things to do in Zanzibar…

Stone Town

Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its winding streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore the local markets, visit the old fort, and learn about Zanzibar’s fascinating history.

Relax on the beaches

Zanzibar has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white sand, crystal clear water, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Some of the best beaches include Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje.

Go on a spice tour

Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island, and visitors can take a tour of the local spice farms to learn about the different spices grown on the island, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

Snorkel or dive in the coral reefs

Zanzibar’s coral reefs are home to a stunning array of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Visitors can go snorkelling or diving to explore these underwater wonders.

Visit the Jozani Forest

The Jozani Forest is a nature reserve known for its unique wildlife, including the rare red colobus monkey. Visitors can take a guided tour of the forest to learn about the local flora and fauna.

Go on a dhow cruise

Dhows are traditional sailing boats used for fishing and transportation in Zanzibar. Visitors can take a sunset cruise on a dhow to enjoy the beautiful scenery and watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Visit the Prison Island

Prison Island is a small island just off the coast of Zanzibar known for its giant tortoises and beautiful beaches. Visitors can take a boat tour to the island to see the tortoises up close and relax on the beach.

Explore the local markets

Zanzibar’s local markets are a colourful and lively place to explore, with vendors selling everything from spices and textiles to handmade crafts and souvenirs. Some of the best markets to visit include Darajani Market in Stone Town and Forodhani Night Market.

Visit the Old Slave Market

Zanzibar was once a major hub of the East African slave trade, and the Old Slave Market in Stone Town is a sombre reminder of this dark history. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the slave trade and its impact on Zanzibar.

*Please note: Effective 1st October 2024, Inbound travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors to Zanzibar. This must be obtained only from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. Here is the official website to obtain the insurance: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/

You are able to obtain this on arrival but this may take much longer so we advise to buy prior to your trip. This is in addition to any other travel insuracne you may have. 

All participants joining projects in Zanzibar must send their resume, passport copy, and criminal background check before arrival.

Additional Requirements

  • A decent level of fitness, energy and patience is required.
  • Older participants are required to have a medical clearance, while participants under 18 might need signed parental consent.
  • At least 18 years old. If you have the permission of a legal guardian or are accompanied by your parents or someone older than you, you may be exempt.
  • Have completed the following vaccines: typhoid, tetanus, Rabies, Malaria, Hepatitis A, and Diphtheria.
  • Tanzania is a country of mixed beliefs, including Christianity and Islam, as well as a number of other conservative traditions and faiths. Therefore, modesty is the ideal, thus, wearing clothes that cover the knee and shoulders for women and shorts, trousers, and t-shirts for men is highly advised.

Additional Equipment

No specific equipment is required for this program but you are highly advised to bring sturdy shoes, comfortable sports clothes and re – hydration or bottled water at all times. You can also fell free to bring any sort of equipment of training aids, that will assist with your coaching experience, as equipment may be limited in some placement areas.

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: TZ – Holidays – Zanzibar  

Zanzibar is an archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It consists of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, as well as several smaller islands. It has a rich history and culture, shaped by centuries of trade and interaction with Arab, Indian, and European traders and settlers. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Zanzibar has a population of around 1.6 million people, with a diverse mix of ethnic and linguistic groups. Swahili is the official language, although English and Arabic are also widely spoken. Zanzibar has a predominantly Muslim population, with a rich tradition of Islamic scholarship and culture. The islands have also been home to a thriving arts and music scene, with influences from across Africa and the Middle East. Despite its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Zanzibar faces a number of challenges, including poverty, environmental degradation, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education. 

Zanzibar has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a wet season from March to May and a dry season from June to October. During the wet season, Zanzibar experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity, while the dry season is characterized by sunny and relatively cool weather. The average temperature in Zanzibar ranges from 25°C to 33°C throughout the year.

Zanzibar is located near the equator, which means that the islands receive strong sunlight year-round. The islands also experience occasional cyclones and tropical storms, particularly during the wet season. 

Zanzibar’s culture is a mix of African, Arab, and Indian influences, which is reflected in the local music, dance, architecture, and cuisine. The islands have a rich history of trade and commerce, with merchants from across the world visiting Zanzibar for its strategic location and abundant resources. As a result, Zanzibar has a diverse population of ethnic and linguistic groups, with Swahili as the official language. Islam is the predominant religion in Zanzibar, and the islands are home to many historic mosques and Islamic schools. 

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Weekends & Extra Tours

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