Football Coaching and Training in Argentina, Buenos Aires

Football in Argentina
Consistently among the favourites for World Cup success it is no surprise that Argentina’s favourite sport is Football. When talking about Argentine football, you immediately start discussing past and present football stars such as Tevez, Messi and Maradona to name but a few. Although your task will not be to find the Maradona, you will soon discover that football is played in every field, street and alley way. Moreover, coaching football in Argentina is a great opportunity to see this street football in its most raw form, where some of the top players in the world have picked up their skills. This project represents a priceless opportunity to understand the Argentine way of playing football while creating a huge impact on the local community, helping develop their skills and providing them with values and commitment towards the sport.

Your Sports Experience
Immerse yourself in the heart of Argentina’s legendary football culture with this unique sporting experience in Buenos Aires. This is more than just a coaching trip; it’s an opportunity to connect with the vibrant soul of a nation that lives and breathes football, while making a genuine impact on the lives of local children.

Perfect for students, gap year travellers, or anyone with a passion for sport for development, this program offers a powerful blend of community coaching, personal training, and cultural immersion. Your days will be a dynamic mix of community engagement and personal development. While the main coaching sessions take place in the afternoons, there may also be opportunities to assist with sessions on some mornings. You will be helping local coaches in multi-sport sessions for children from disadvantaged communities, which are a vital source of fun, structure, and positive engagement.

Furthermore, you’ll connect with a local football club, giving you the chance to train and potentially play several times a week. This will fit around the club’s schedule and may include evenings and weekends, offering a genuine insight into the local football scene.

We encourage participants to stay for as long as possible. A longer duration allows for a deeper immersion into the community, fostering stronger relationships with the children and a more profound cultural understanding. Beyond the pitch, Argentina offers a world of adventure, from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the breath-taking natural wonders of Patagonia and Iguazu Falls.

Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.

Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.

2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.

3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.

4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.

Gap Year, Student Holidays and Career Break Football Opportunities in Argentina
Coaching and playing football on a football gap year or career break in Argentina is a great way to experience the Argentine passion for football and a totally new culture. By volunteering in Argentina on a football project you will soon make life long friends from your football coaching and playing experience abroad.

You can arrive any Sunday of the year from the first weekend in January, ready to start activities on the Monday. We ask that you vacate our accommodation on the last Saturday of your trip, either for independent travel or to return to the airport for your international departure.

We run trips until the second weekend in December.

Please note that at times bank holidays and other factors may disrupt trips but we will make every effort to provide adequate activities whilst you are with us.

Playing Your Sport in Argentina: We understand you want to keep up with your own training. We will connect you with a local club, providing a fantastic opportunity to train and play in a competitive and social environment. This is a great way to meet like-minded locals, improve your Spanish slang, and gain a deeper insight into Argentine culture. You can expect to train and/or play a few times a week, depending on the club’s schedule, which often includes evenings and weekends.

Spanish Lessons: To get the most out of your time in Buenos Aires, we recommend a basic understanding of Spanish. We offer optional Spanish language lessons that can be booked pre-departure. By booking in advance, we can assess your level before you arrive and tailor the tuition accordingly. The lessons are taught by native Argentineans and will develop your understanding of both the language and the local culture in which you are living.

Equipment Donation: We gratefully welcome any personal donations of sports equipment for the local community. It makes a huge difference to the children we support. However, it is important that any donations fit within your airline’s luggage weight allowance. For larger donations, we suggest contacting your airline in advance to inquire about an additional allowance for charitable purposes and asking them to note this against your booking. This will help ensure a smooth and trouble-free check-in at the airport.

Social Life & Travel: “Porteños” (people from Buenos Aires) are famously talkative and social. Joining a local sports club is one of the best ways to make local friends who will help you settle in quickly. Our in-country team also organises social activities to bring participants together. At weekends, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, known as the “Paris of South America,” or even venture further to discover the diverse landscapes Argentina is famous for.

Accommodation: A huge part of the social atmosphere comes from where you live. Depending on numbers, you will either be placed in a shared house/residence with other participants or in a homestay with a local family. All accommodation is centrally located with good access to your project and local amenities.

Airport Pick-Up
Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early.

Accommodation
Shared house / student residence accommodation; Basic but comfortable; Shared rooms; Shared kitchen; Shared toilet / shower facilities; shared with other volunteers.

Breakfast
Breakfast is included at the accommodation, so please budget for lunch and dinner.

Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Lunch and Dinner (Budget GBP £8 -GBP £10 per day), Spending money; In country travel; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary.

Spanish course cost (please contact us for more details)

A Typical Weekday: Your mornings will be free to explore the city or participate in extra community sessions. You may also want to book our optional Spanish immersion language course to brush up on your football vocabulary and local expressions. After lunch, you’ll head to the community project for an afternoon of coaching. Some evenings a week will be dedicated to your own football training at a local club and whatever weekend match fixtures you may be able to get involved with.

Participant Criteria: We welcome participants aged 18 and over who have a passion for football and working with children. No formal coaching qualifications are required, but a good understanding of the game is essential. The majority of participants are between 18 and 26 years old.

What’s Provided: All necessary coaching equipment, such as balls, cones, and bibs, will be provided.

What to Bring: You should bring appropriate clothing for both coaching and playing, including shorts, t-shirts, and sports shoes. While not mandatory, any extra equipment you can bring for the children will be greatly appreciated.

Ideal For: Football Coaching Holidays and Placements in Argentina; Sports Coaching and Activity Breaks in South America; Sports Coaching Gap Years and Career Breaks in Argentina and Student Summer Holidays.