Sports coaching volunteering in Brazil

Planet

We send out comprehensive pre-departure briefing, which includes a section on protecting the local environment. In particular we advise participants to take care with water, which is scarce in many of our destinations. We recommend they avoid unnecessary washing, using hand wash gel where they can. We also instruct them on how to dispose of waste properly, not to litter and, where possible, to avoid using plastic water bottles which are not easy to dispose of environmentally. Those going trekking are advised to keep to marked footpaths so as to prevent further erosion of the landscape.

People

Meeting local needs
In Brazil, the school day is very short and many children have no access to sports education. This project provides sports coaching to children to help them to improve their skills and confidence. The positive impact of sport on children’s fitness, confidence and self-discipline is well known. For some it might even provide future career possibilities. As well as improving the lives of local children, you will also contribute directly to the area’s economy. The volunteer scheme provides work for domestic staff at the accommodation. You will eat locally-sourced food and make use of shops and leisure facilities in the town. You will not be taking jobs away from local people. The project employs local staff, but relies on volunteers to support them.

All our volunteers are fully trained on arrival and will work in groups when coaching so the children so will never be left unsupervised. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. All must have a DBS or police check before they can volunteer.

Cultural sensitivity
We emphasise the importance of showing respect for local people and their customs in our briefing material. Participants will work alongside permanent staff, forming close bonds and getting an insight into real life in Brazil’s poorer communities. Our policy is to send people to the developing world in small groups or individually. This minimises the environmental and social impact that the participants have on the destination and helps them to integrate into the local community.

All of our participants receive comprehensive pre-departure briefing as well as training on arrival. This covers topics on how to be culturally sensitive, how to best look after the environment when in the country and how to stay safe as well as up to date information on the political situation.