• Learn about aspects of sports development in Africa
• Give kids the opportunity to develop their love of sports
• Learn about not only the sports culture but the heritage and traditions of Africa
• Work in one of the most beautiful areas of South Africa

We aim to develop skills with training and focus through a structured programme to enable both kids and volunteers to benefit from the experience and interaction.

Although Sports edge is initially Football/Soccer focused due to the popularity of the sport within South Africa, we do run clinics for other sports such as:
• Rugby
• Basketball/Netball
• Cricket
• Surfing

The Project is then split into either ‘Multi Sports’ or ‘Sport Specific’; for example you may choose to partake in one sport only or many sports. With some of these projects you will be working with different kids every week and others you will be involved the ongoing clinics working with many of the same children.

Daily objectives are set in order to notice fast track outcomes with long term rewards. This means a mixture of physical and non physical activities are necessary. Smaller focus groups enable children to learn faster, with more one on one attention and to have more fun.

Depending on the time of year you will be a part of a either a term time or holiday programme and the amount, age and location of the kids will therefore be changeable. You will be working with various participating schools and centres around the local area.

At times you will need to fit into project development officers requirements for specific current projects.

Possible volunteers include – Gap year students, Sports Science Students or Graduates, Sport Industry Professionals, Corporate Sports Training Programmes.

Interest or experience in sports and a basic fitness is essential. You should love working with children and should have an interest in new cultures & the environment as well as working with communities in a third world country.

We realize that each volunteer that joins us has different skills and varying specialties to offer. Should you feel that you can contribute beyond our itinerary, please inform us so we can use your skills accordingly.

Volunteers fit into the time table structured by the project manager and other volunteers. 
However, volunteers do have opportunities to start projects themselves and often, when other staff are otherwise occupied, volunteers need to take initiative to sit down with the kids and work with them on individual levels. This could be organising a session yourself, co-ordinating an alternate activity or simply a friendly chat to get to know the kids.

Other duties include:

• Administration
• Program coordination
• Clinic development
• Working with current coaches

Our sports clinics and programs are set in Knysna – one of South Africa’s favourite and most picturesque coastal towns.

The Garden Route is true to its name and is famous for its diversity and beauty with spectacular scenery and a mild climate. It has a pristine coastline, huge wetlands, salt marshes, rivers, with mountains crowded close to the shoreline, tall indigenous forests, vividly coloured wild flowers, proteas and the unique fynbos. The bird life is prolific. 

You will be based in simple, clean, dorm style accommodation at our cosy volunteers house, located in Knysna, or in one of Knysna's vibey Backpackers. Private/Twin/Family rooms are available on request.

Should you wish to travel outside of Knysna during your stay, we will happily recommend safe, comfortable accommodation in the Garden Route.

All meals will be provided, some ready made and some do it yourself. Our focus is on healthy, hearty food.

• Breakfast – This will be a light selection of breads, fruits, tea, coffee and juice
• Lunch – This will be in the form or sandwiches, salads, pitas, bread rolls or wraps
• Dinner – With a few ready cooked dinners and the rest left to your own tastes, all ingredients and menu plans will be provided. You can expect a range of many different kinds of dishes.

All meals will be according to your specific tastes as best as possible, however specific food requirements are only subject to request.