Sportforce: Gap Year and Career Break Sports Overseas

Programme Outline: India

Our cricket coaching program is located at the heart of Delhi (a city renowned for its passion towards cricket) and combines your love of cricket with an underlying desire to teach others the fundamental skills required to take their game to the next level. We have access to a huge cricket ground where we have links with several schools and orphanages where you will be able to exploit your enthusiasm for the game. Our volunteers are overwhelmed by a warm welcome from the locals who literally eat, drink and sleep cricket! Through this cricket program you can experience the alternative Indian style of cricket whilst making a proactive difference to the deprived lives of many within the community in Delhi. Before you leave you will achieve a ‘Sports Leaders’ UK coaching qualification at our briefing day in London.

Programme Outline: New Zealand
On this programme volunteers train at a top class cricket academy managed by former test player and level 3 coach Brendon Bracewell!

Set in the metropolitan yet chilled-out town of Napier in Hawkes Bay, you’ll have the chance to train with the best during the week and hit the beach, explore the coast and check out Napier’s backpacker oriented nightlife at the weekends.

The placement involves a weekly fitness programme at your home ground of Nelson Park in Napier. You don’t have to worry about rain stopping play here – in Napier a training day usually starts with a run on the beach and a good swim, followed by bowling machine and fielding drills…and another swim! As well as training to develop your skills you’ll be playing club cricket matches in Hawke’s Bay Cricket Association Competitions. And if you develop your skills sufficiently you’ll also have the opportunity to coach as well as train.

All team mates live together in the fantastic sports lodge accommodation with all meals provided, and you’ll never be far from the local amenities and, most importantly, the bars! Our coaches are a highly sought after bunch, so if you’re keen to train with the best in the land of Maori warriors, Middle Earth landscapes and some of the most extreme sports on the planet then get in touch today!

Suggested Itinerary: India

Typical Day:

Begin the morning by waking up to the sounds of this vibrant region of India. You will be provided with a wholesome breakfast before heading out to the nearby schools to play and teach with the local youngsters (sometimes not related to cricket e.g. drawing/painting). After interacting with the school children you will head back to your accommodation where you will feast at lunch. The afternoon will then provide you with the flexibility and freedom to explore the local surroundings and check out the fantastic cultural 'hot pots' Delhi has to offer. The accommodation is located in an area rich in amenities so why not try out your haggling skills are the local markets. Internet and telephone access is also readily available. After dinner you will experience the more deprived locations of Delhi where you will coach cricket to youngsters at the local orphanages. This aspect of our program provides all our volunteers with a life changing experience and a deeper insight into how cricket really can change the lives of many youngsters in Delhi. This program really is for those with a true passion for the sport so expect around 5-7 hours of cricket per day!

Basic Outline:

Day 1: Airport pick up and introduction to Delhi.

Day 2: Orientation and teaching Hindi Greetings. Further introduction into Indian culture and customs, as well as some sumptuous Indian cuisine!

Day 3: Delhi Sightseeing. Come to grips with the vast, sprawling city of Delhi and visit some of the most popular sights.

Day 4: Start the cricket project and introduce yourself to the students you will be teaching.

Day 5 - 14: Cricket teaching in local orphanages or schools. You will also participate in some basic teaching of things. You can also extend this on a weekly basis.

Optional Extra – breathtaking trip to the ‘Golden Triangle’ for 3 days.

Suggested Itinerary: India

Cricket Coaching

The coaching sessions have a lot of variety in order for you to find your niche. There are spin bowling sessions focusing on target and ball revolution, if you get really good you can start sending down some Warne-like Jaffers.

Then you’ll usually move on to the bowling machine to work on your batting and wicket keeping. Careful though as the machine doesn’t get tired and won’t show any mercy.

Next up comes a very important part of a cricketers arsenal, fielding practice. You know what they say ‘catches win matches’ and you’ll learn the best methods of clinging onto those chances and running down those stumps.

There is an opportunity to play Geoff Boycott and analyse players technique via video, as well as group net sessions with other academy players.

A Typical Day

The day begins nice and early with breakfast served at about half past seven. After that you’ll warm up (not that you’ll need to in this beautiful climate) with a run and a swim at the local beach.

After that you’ll spend an hour or so in the gym working on your fitness which will help your overall game, before moving onto the cricket field around half ten.

After a couple of hours bowling and fielding you’ll have lunch and another swim around about midday.

After lunch you’ll spend a couple of hours in the nets with your team before ending the day with some personal training.

Dinner is served about 5pm and after that the evening is yours..

Location: India

Your project will take place in Delhi. There is the option of Jaipur but this is subject to availability.

Country Facts:

• Population/Area – 1.3 Billion / 3.2 Million Square Km.
• India is home to several hundred languages, of which 17 are official with Hindi and English being most widely spoken.
• India is the largest democracy in the world.
• ‘Hello’ in Hindi is Namaste

Sport in Delhi:

Cricket is the most popular sport in Delhi. There are several cricket grounds located across the city. The 'Feroz Shah Kotla' stadium is one of the oldest cricket grounds in India and is a venue for international cricket matches. The city is home to the Delhi Daredevils and Delhi Giants (earlier named Delhi Jets).

Delhi is preparing itself to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games estimated to be the largest multi-sport event ever held in the city. Delhi lost bidding for the 2014 Asian Games, but is bidding for 2020 Olympic Games. Delhi has also been chosen to host the first ever Indian Grand Prix in 2010.

Location: New Zealand
Napier Hawke’s Bay

The City

•The Art Deco Capital of the world

•Very cosmopolitan and vibrant

•Summer holiday destination

•Local Airport with connections to the major cities in New Zealand

•Great Mediterranean Climate –the best in New Zealand

•The World famous Mission Concert

•International Cricket and Rugby Venue –McLean Park

www.napiernz.com

Accommodation: India

Volunteers will stay with a host family, in their own bedroom with a fan. Accommodation is basic but will include the necessary amenities. Another perk, is that it also has a western toilet.

Accommodation: New Zealand

The Sports Lodge

–5 minutes from Napier City Centre

–200 yards from Nelson Park

–Sky TV

–Wireless Broadband Internet

–Computer

–Gym

–3 Bathrooms

Extras: India

Golden Triangle Tour- make the exclusive journey to the inspiring ‘Golden Triangle’ after the completing your cricket program in Delhi (see extras option when booking).

Equipment Donation- As part of our development program in the local community… we donate part of your fees towards equipment and resources for the schools and orphanages you will be teaching in. All resources and equipment are left behind as that forms part of sustainable development in the local community. Cash donations can also be made directly to the schools and orphanages under the volunteer’s generosity.

Extras: New Zealand

Paid work may become available under

 –One –one

–Group coaching

–Hawke’s Bay Junior Development

–Local Schools

–Local Clubs

Summary: India

Here is a basic outline of how this programme is run:

Day 1: Airport pick up and introduction to Delhi.
Day 2: Orientation and teaching Hindi Greetings. Further introduction into Indian culture and customs, as well as some sumptuous Indian cuisine!
Day 3: Delhi Sightseeing. Come to grips with the vast, sprawling city of Delhi and visit some of the most popular sights.
Day 4: Start the cricket project and introduce yourself to the students you will be teaching.
Day 5 - 14: Cricket teaching in local orphanages or schools. You will also participate in some basic teaching of things. You can also extend this on a weekly basis. See the Dates and Prices tab for further information.

Optional Extra - A thoroughly exciting 3 day trip to the Golden Triangle.

Summary: New Zealand

Spend your days running, swimming and enjoying the wonderful game of cricket. With top notch facilities and first class coaches you’ll be guaranteed an educational and above all fun experience.
Meet new people, play a lot of cricket and have a great laugh in the evenings and weekends, doesn’t sound too bad does it?

Dates and Prices: India

Prices: 2 weeks for only £895. Extra weeks available for just £195.

Start Dates: The first Sunday of each month.

Dates and Prices: New Zealand

Full Season

•Airport Pickup

•26 weeks (Oct-March)

•North Island Tour

•Gym Program

•Accommodation

•All meals Monday-Friday

•Local Club Fees

•Use of Academy Vehicles

•Daily Cricket Coaching

•Hawke’s Bay Cricket Association Supporter Membership

•Academy Clothing

•Coaching a Cricket Team Course

Cost  £Call us

Half Season

•Airport Pickup

•13 weeks (Jan-Mar, or Oct-Dec)

•Gym Program

•Accommodation

•All meals Monday-Friday

•Local Club Fees

•Use of Academy Vehicles

•Daily Cricket Coaching

•Hawke’s Bay Cricket Association Supporter Membership

•Academy Clothing

•Coaching a Cricket Team Course

Cost £Call us

Want to know more information and how to join up?

Call 020 7384 3028 or email us with any questions.