Play a Sports Season in South Africa, Port Elizabeth
Train and play your favourite sport (rugby, hockey, netball, cricket or football) in South Africa while immersing yourself in the country’s vibrant club scene. Join a local team, develop your game, coach local youth during the day, and enjoy beachside living, recovery time, and unforgettable cultural adventures.
Train and Play for a Local Club – Join one of several teams and compete at a level that suits your ability while training regularly with local players and coaches.
Coach and Inspire Local Youth – Support sports sessions in township schools, sharing your passion for sport while helping develop young athletes.
Relax by the Pool or Explore the Beaches – Enjoy downtime at the volunteer house or visit some of the beautiful beaches along South Africa’s coastline.
Free Social Excursions – Take part in organised outings with fellow travellers to experience local culture, food, and the best spots around the city.
Optional Weekend Adventures – Make the most of your time in South Africa with unforgettable trips such as safaris, coastal hikes, and exploring nearby towns.
Sport in South Africa
Sport holds a proud place within South Africa’s culture, with the country consistently producing highly competitive teams and technically gifted players across rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, and football on the international stage. At club level, these sports form the backbone of participation, bringing together players from a wide range of backgrounds to compete, train, and develop throughout the season. For many players, club sport is where friendships are built, skills are sharpened, and the true spirit of the game is experienced.
In cities like Port Elizabeth, local clubs remain central to the sporting community. Clubs often field multiple teams competing across different leagues and standards, allowing players of varying abilities to participate in meaningful competition. This structure ensures that whether you are an experienced player looking for high-level matches or someone who simply enjoys the social and competitive aspects of sport, there is a place for you within the club environment.
At the same time, sport continues to play an important role within local schools and communities. Access to regular coaching and structured activities can be limited in some areas, and the opportunity to introduce young people to sport provides both enjoyment and valuable life lessons. Through sport, children gain confidence, teamwork skills, and a sense of belonging.
Your Sporting Experience
This programme offers the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in South Africa’s club sporting culture by training and playing for a well-established local club in your choice of sport between rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, or football. Clubs field multiple teams across a range of divisions, ensuring players are placed at a level that best matches their ability. Whether you have represented your school, university, or club team back home, or simply have a strong passion for your sport, you will be welcomed into a competitive and supportive environment.
Training sessions and weekly league fixtures will give you the chance to develop your game while experiencing the social side of South African club sport. Playing alongside local teammates provides an authentic insight into the country’s sporting culture, while building friendships that often last long after the season ends.
During the day, participants also have the opportunity to join other travellers and coaches delivering sport sessions in local schools and community projects. These coaching opportunities allow you to share your passion for sport with young players who may not otherwise have access to structured coaching.
Outside of training, matches, and coaching, the experience offers plenty of time to enjoy the lifestyle that South Africa is famous for. Our accommodation provides space for rest and recovery by the house swimming pool, while nearby beaches offer the chance to relax or explore the beautiful coastline. Weekends and free time provide the perfect opportunity to experience the wider region and discover the natural beauty and culture that make South Africa such a special place to visit.
Your Playing and Coaching Role
Your primary focus will be integrating into the local club environment, attending training sessions, and representing the club in league matches throughout your stay. With multiple teams competing across different standards, clubs ensure that players are placed where they can contribute most effectively while continuing to enjoy and develop their sport.
Alongside your playing commitments, you will have the opportunity to support coaching sessions within schools and community programmes. Working alongside other sports volunteers and local coaches, you may assist with introducing basic skills, organising drills, and encouraging young players who are experiencing structured sport for the first time.
You will be supported by our in-country team throughout your stay, helping you settle into both the club and sports coaching environments. The experience is designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance training, matches, coaching, and personal time, ensuring that you gain the most from your time both on and off the field.
For those who love sport, this programme provides a rare opportunity: to play the game you enjoy within a passionate club community, contribute positively through community coaching, and experience life in one of the world’s most vibrant sporting nations.
Dates 2026
Cricket – Half Season
10th Jan -12 weeks
Rugby, Football, Netball, Hockey – Full or Half Season
07th Mar – 12 weeks up to 24 weeks
11th Apr – 12 weeks up to 24 weeks
Rugby, Football, Netball, Hockey – Half Season
18th July – 12 weeks
Cricket – Half Season
22nd Aug – 12 weeks
Dates 2027
Cricket – Half Season
09th Jan – 12 weeks
Rugby, Football, Netball, Hockey – Full or Half Season
06th March – 12 weeks up to 24 weeks
10th Apr – 12 weeks up to 24 weeks
Rugby, Football, Netball, Hockey – Half Season
17th July – 12 weeks
Cricket – Half Season
21st Aug – 12 weeks
At certain times of the year we organise a 7 day road trip to Cape Town. Check out our Add-Ons for details and dates and add this to your order when booking the trip with us.
Note 1: 12 weeks = 84 nights; 13 weeks = 91 nights; 14 weeks = 98 nights; 15 weeks = 105 nights; 16 weeks = 112 nights; 17 weeks = 119 nights; 18 weeks = 126 nights; 19 weeks = 133 nights; 20 weeks = 140 nights; 21 weeks = 147 nights; 22 weeks = 154 nights, 23 weeks = 161 nights; 24 weeks = 168 nights
Note 2: Players must come for a minimum 12 weeks and can stay up to 24 weeks
Note 3: All programmes run from Saturday to Saturday
Social Life in South Africa
We believe it is important to give our travellers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of social activities to bring travellers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. The social life in South Africa really is second to none and you will return home with some truly unforgettable memories and friends for life. With so many sporty people living together, social sports teams are pretty much unavoidable and there are plenty of local teams to play for. For the less competitive, why not head to the beach for some casual volleyball and football matches in the African sunshine? You’ll also get to experience plenty of Braai’s during your stay (authentic South African barbeques under the stars). Sport, friendship and lots of laughs – what more could you want from a social life abroad?
Accommodation
Your accommodation is basic but comfortable and you will stay in a dormitory style room. The accommodation has a very sociable atmosphere and you will find it a great place to relax and unwind in the evenings. The accommodation is also centrally located to your project with shops and other useful amenities either a short walk or taxi ride away. The accommodation has plenty to keep you entertained during your down time including, swimming pool, games room (with pool, darts and table tennis), a small gym, wifi and an outdoor volleyball court.
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.
Your Sports Club
- Membership of a quality sports club
- Club kit
- The opportunity to play and train with a top South African club
- Entry into all local competitions
Accommodation
A lodge with shared rooms (4-8 people per room); Basic but comfortable; Shared toilet and shower facilities; Communal areas for socialising and relaxation including pool, TV and games room and bar; Single and double rooms may also be available if requested and booked pre-departure.
View our accommodation photo album.
Food
3 meals a day Mon to Fri and 2 meals (breakfast and lunch) a day at weekends.
Arrival Pick-Up & Transfers
Included on arrival and departure date. Early arrival will be subject to an additional charge.
Transport
Transport to and from sports club for training and matches. Transport to and from community coaching placement.
Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.
Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.
Social Events
- Regular social events and weekend trips with other travellers
- Social events with your club
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Spending money
- In country travel (outside of programme activities)
- Laundry service
- Extra activities not on itinerary
Ideal for anyone who loves playing sport in different environments and meeting new people.
Suitable for ages 18 to 40
Arrivals – Saturday
You are welcome to arrive in South Africa early but must stay in off-site accommodation at your own cost until at least Friday (preferably Saturday) and facilitate your own transport from the airport to your own accommodation. You will then be collected from your accommodation and brought to us to begin your placement with us. Arrivals on Friday will incur a charge for the additional night.
Departures – Saturday
The official departure day is Saturday. Those departing on this day will receive transport to the airport. Those departing outside this period must arrange their own transportation (e.g. Uber). We may extend the official departure to include Sundays in exceptional cases, with an additional cost for the extra night.
We suggest you budget between £80 to £100 per week to covering going out socialising or doing few excursions that are not part of what we include.
It is recommended that you bring a small amount of cash, and carry the majority of your spending money on a cash card. The Post Office provides a card that avoids any charges for withdrawing cash and also Revolut and Monzo accounts could be useful and are app controlled. We can also store money and other items in our safe in the office, also located at the accommodation.
We would prefer it if you could use our social media platforms to try and communicate with others that maybe coming away at the same time as you. We are a small team and are very busy preparing and organising the trips. Also, given that we ask you to all arrive on the same weekend, you’ll quickly get to know each other as you settle in.
Participants work at 3 or 4 schools each day Monday to Friday. Each session lasts 60 – 90 minutes. This is weather permitting, but everything is done to ensure as much activity as possible takes place. Expect to be out working for approximately 6 hours per day.
The majority of children coached are aged between 10-13 years old. However, in smaller schools, it is common for either slightly older or younger children to take part as well to boost the number of children participating. All schools worked in are in the disadvantaged township communities.
Placement activities do not begin straight away. We provide a 2 day long induction where you learn about the programme, as well as receive useful techniques. In addition to this, the induction is a great place to meet with and learn from your fellow travellers.
You are free to do what you wish in the evenings after the activities and at the weekends. Some participants like to play social football or other sports as we are very connected to local clubs in the area or go to the gym which is a 20 minute walk from the accommodation. Additionally a lot of your time will be taken up by excursions and other organised events as we feel it is important to show you some of the great spots around the area. We also recognise that you will need some down time, so you will still have plenty of time to relax, unwind and explore the local area.
All participants staying with us have the option to take part in a range of additional activities. Some are included, while others incur an extra cost.
Below is a typical schedule across a full 12-week stay. Please note that participation in specific activities cannot be guaranteed, especially for those joining for less than 12 weeks.
Every Wednesday – 5-a-side football (approx. R50 per session)
Week 1 – Arrival weekend
Week 2 – Jeffreys Bay (home of surfing in South Africa) – transport free, overnight stay free, optional dune boarding (approx. R200), optional surf lessons (approx. R400)
Week 3 – Great White Shark cage diving (approx. R4,500)
Week 4 – Bloukrans Bridge – transport free, bungee jump (approx. R1,800), bridge walk (approx. R600)
Week 5 – Departure / arrival weekend
Week 6 – Elephant Sanctuary (approx. R1,600)
Week 7 – Big Five game reserve (approx. R5,100)
Week 8 – Kragga Kamma Game Reserve (near Port Elizabeth) – free
Week 9 – Skydiving (approx. R3,850, approx. R800 extra for video)
Week 10 – Sundays River – boat trip and BBQ (braai) on the river – free
Week 11 – Bushcamp – outdoor meal under the stars, plus a traditional African dance group – free
Week 12 – Departure weekend
Note: dates of activities are not guaranteed and will change depending on factors, such as weather, number of people wishing to take part and other potential events taking place. Participants will only be able to partake in all activities if they come for a full 12 week duration.
Note: prices are an estimate, and are subject to change based on external providers.
We do not require any qualifications or previous experience. However, if you are on a sports project it is recommended that you have had some playing experience at any level in the sport you wish to coach and do try and come away with a few training drills you can share. Although of course the more proficient you are in your respective sports, the more it will aid you when working with the children. The most important thing is enthusiasm to work with kids.
Sport is the entry point for everything we do. It is how we reach young people, build trust, and create consistent safe spaces. We coach approximately 12,000 of children every year across football, rugby, netball, hockey, cricket, basketball, boxing, and swimming. Many would not access structured sport without this.
Once children are involved through sport, they can access the wider support we run, including life skills, critical issues sessions, academic support, and, for some, scholarships. A small number move into talent pathways. Our main goal is mass participation and the broader physical and emotional benefits.
Your role sits in that first step. You help create energetic, structured sessions that keep children active, confident, and engaged. That consistency is what opens the door to the deeper support they receive later.
Yes if you are 17. However, we will require our ‘International Trip Parental Consent Form’ completed which you’ll have access to once you have booked.
Add-Ons
These can be added when completing the booking form.
South Africa Road Trip, Garden Route to Cape Town
Extra Night – Standard Room
Comfort Room Surcharge – Per Night
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