To book an activity with us we require you to participate for a minimum of two weeks. Therefore, you would need to book a quantity of two for this activity, unless you choose a separate activity to go with it. See the ‘Related trips…’ section for more options.
Football in India
India is by no means associated with football greatness. This is largely to do the fact that cricket dominates nearly every household throughout India. However, football is loved and played by thousands of children in India. Improvised street football matches are just as common as games of street cricket. Sadly, however, this is the limit of football opportunities for most children in India. This is why you, as a volunteer football coach, can make a huge impact to young football players in India by providing structured coaching sessions in local schools around the city.
Your Football Volunteer Placement
You will work in schools around the city where you will work to establish and improve football coaching classes. In many cases, sport is neglected in Indian schools because, culturally, Indians only promote activities if they see to have a direct benefit on their children’s career. Many schools are therefore very keen for you to engage young people in sport through organised sports activities. During your time you will be placed in various schools coaching football to a wide range of children.
The children are hugely enthusiastic about sport and the schools have its own football teams that compete in small tournaments throughout the year. We welcome football coaching volunteers from all walks of life that are passionate about playing or coaching football. The focus is not on creating India’s next football star, but on giving disadvantaged children the opportunity to play football as part of a structured team or club. Recognised coaching qualifications are, therefore, not required but you are expected to have a reasonable amount of playing or coaching experience.
Your Football Coaching Role
Your role in the schools will be to organise football coaching sessions and matches for the children. These football sessions will take place during the school timetable however those who stay for extended period of time can also look to incorporate additional after school football clubs for the school teams. You will soon discover how effective your football sessions can be since many of the children are talented players that simply haven’t had the opportunity to play in a structured environment. By introducing the basic principles of movement, passing and team play, your football players will improve dramatically. Organising and managing football matches against other schools are great ways for your players to experience the competitive side of sport while also developing a real sense of belonging with their team mates. The physical and health benefits of playing regular football are also an important part of your football coaching project.
Your football coaching schedule can include the following: Warm up routines and stretching guidance, rules and regulations of the game, positions within a team, ball control and footwork, dribbling and passing techniques, shot technique, heading techniques, positional play, set piece play including free kicks, corners and penalties, the basics of goalkeeping, coordination of attacking formations and defence, as well as team work and game play strategy.
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 and Career Break Football Experience in India
A gap year or career break is a great time to join a sports volunteer coaching project in India where you can coach football, meet hundreds of other participants and experience exciting travel opportunities in India. Taking a constructive trip to India will change you forever, offering you unforgettable memories and providing close friendships that will last long after you return him from your gap year in India.
