Sportforce: Gap Year and Career Break Sports Overseas

Programme Information

Basketball is considered to be Ghana's next up-and-coming sport. There is an abundance of raw talent within the country and the Ghana Basketball Association (GBA) has worked hard to implement an intricate training and development programme. A basketball placement will give you the opportunity to access some of Ghana's finest athletes and take part in their coaching and training. However, this is only one side of the game and you can choose how involved you want to be. A basketball placement will allow you to work with young and enthusiastic players on a more relaxed level where the emphasis is on fun and developing strong friendships. At this level, the placement is about building worthwhile relationships, rather than creating Ghana's next big star!

Your Placement
We have links with a number of local schools and league teams where there is a competitive, as well as a more relaxed, attitude towards the game. We also work closely with the Ghana Basketball Association and can place our basketball coaches in some of the top development clinics and training sessions for the junior national teams. We can provide a placement for any enthusiastic volunteer, no matter what experience you have.

You need

If you are involved with a local team, it is again up to you as to how much responsibility you feel you can handle. Volunteers will typically be placed in fun and social sides where you will be able to get alongside your players and simply give them the chance to play as a team. By introducing the basics, that you probably take for granted, you will soon see the young athletes improve their game. We want volunteers to get involved with their teams and their placement as much as possible. You will have guidance and support from the in-country team, as well as local coaches, who will encourage you to take part in training sessions and matches. You will then be able to introduce more of your own ideas and organise your own coaching programmes and tournaments for your team. However, volunteers should remember that there isn't a high expectation to produce world class players! We just want you to make the game fun and enjoyable, whilst giving the players the sense of belonging that all teams value.

Because of the links we have at the top-end of the game, you can be placed alongside the coaches for the national youth teams. From there, it is up to you, and the ability you feel you have as a coach, to get involved with the development programmes that the GBA run. But don't worry; you are not left to fend for yourself! The GBA coaches and our in-country team will be there to offer you any guidance you may need.

Location

 
Ghana

Location: West Africa
Border Countries: Togo, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast
Population: 23 million
Total Area: - 238,535 km2 (91st) 92,098 sq mi
Capital City: Accra
Population of Capital City: 6 million
Official Language: English
Local Languages: About 32, 9 are written
Climate: Hot and Humid with temperatures up to 34 degrees
Religion: 3 Main types Christian, Islamic and Traditional (Indigenous)
Government: Constitutional Presidential Republic
Current President: Professor John Evans Atta Mills
Currency: Ghana Cedi ( GHC)
Time Zone: GMT
Calling Code: +233

You will get the opportunity to take some time off to do your own travelling and visit some of the amazing Ghanaian sights. Accra the capital has the art and cultural centre which showcases the rich culture of Ghana’s products such as drums, crafts, beads, the Kwame Nkrumah Museum (first president of Ghana) etc. Also prepare yourself for African drumming and dancing as you will have the opportunity to experience the true culture of Ghanaian Dancing. Bars and restaurants provide authentic African live music and dancing. There are also a large number of western-style pubs and clubs close to where you will be living. And, if you fancy a football experience to remember, then prepare yourself for watching Hearts of Oak at the National Stadium where the locals wave flags, blow horns and dance on the roofs of the terraces!

There are countless places beyond Accra to visit, such as the Lake Volta (the biggest man-made lake in Africa) or you might want to visit the historical slave castles of Cape Coast and Elmina. Take a walk on the wild side with the elephants at Mole National Park or spot tropical birds in the rainforest canopy at Kakum National Park. Then there is the 60-metre-high Wli waterfalls, the Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (where monkeys are preserved as 'sacred' creatures!) and the endless palm-tree beaches lining the Atlantic coastline! The captivating places, intriguing people and diverse landscapes make Ghana one of the most enlightening places to go. Our in-country team will also help you build a travelling itinerary and give you plenty of advice on how to make your way through the country.

Accommodation

The accommodation is basic but comfortable and you will stay in room or two’s or three’s sometimes. The accommodation is also centrally located to the placements. Shops and other useful amenities are either a short walk or taxi ride away.

Extras

Social Life in Ghana
There are a lot of things to do when it comes to social life in Ghana. Even though placement forms the core of the reason of your trip, we have also made provision for you to relax and enjoy the fun and excitement Ghana has got to offer when it comes to social life. In-country staff will organise regular social activities/events for you. These usually include weekend always to bring volunteers together to share ideas and to know more about each other, sporting activities, night outs to bars/pubs in Accra etc.

Spending Money
Even though you will be provided with food and accommodation in-country, you will need money to conduct your own travelling and for other social events we organise. There will be plenty of things to do. Depending on the duration of your stay, we recommend a budget of £30-£40 a week.

Currency
Currency: Ghana Cedi
Symbol: GHC
Exchange Rate (approx.): $1.00 = GHC 1.40/ £1.00= GHC 1.90

Visa
Travellers to Ghana (outside the West African region (ECOWAS)) need to acquire Visas to enter Ghana. This includes travellers from Europe and the USA. You are required to arrange your own visa before departure - either a Holiday or Visitors Visa. This can be done by applying in your country. Visit the Ghanaian Visa section on the address below if you are applying from the UK. It is important to contact the nearest Ghanaian embassy or High Commission for your visa which normally takes a week or two to process. The Ghanaian High Commission can be located at:

UK:
Passports & Immigration
104 Highgate Hill London
N6 5HE
Tel: 020 8342 7580

The cost of Visas may vary. Pricing is available from the Ghanaian embassy or High commission in your area.

Summary

Dates and Prices: Summer Special 20% DISCOUNT

Prices:

3 weeks                        £795 normally £965

4 weeks                        £965 normally £1150

Each additional week     £195 for every additional week

Includes: Open day, briefing session and BBQ in London before you leave, reunion party and the fully inclusive programme as listed in the Summary tab above.
Excludes: International flights and travel insurance – we provide you with links and advice to help you.

Start Dates: The first Saturday of each month.

Just call 020 7384 3028 or email us with any questions.