Sportforce: Gap Year and Career Break Sports Overseas

Programme Information

The sports volunteer project is an excellent way to spend your gap year or career break. Like other South American countries, in Ecuador football is a passion that has the ability to unite people from all different walks of life and provide opportunities to individuals to learn about a new culture by sharing a similar interest.

The sports voluntary project takes place in three football schools around Quito, where children and teenagers learn about football techniques. You will volunteer in private football schools as well as non profit football schools where children of low income learn football.
The program believes that by offering the children a structured environment to enjoy, they will not get involved in crime or drugs and they will have access to educational experiences that will be an advantage for the future. This project is perfectly suited for volunteers who have a keen interest in sports, and wish to use it as a mean to give something back to society.

Volunteer role

Volunteers assist football coaches on their daily activities. Each coach is in charge of a group of 25 children between 5 years old until 16 years, old, divided in groups according to their age. On each of the groups they need the collaboration of volunteers on different duties: warm up activities, basic exercises, assistance on keeping the material and managing the groups.

You need

Basic-to-intermediate Spanish level.

Volunteers should have an enthusiastic attitude and a keen interest to work with children. Activities will be assigned according to the length of time you will participate on the programme.

Included:
• Airport pickup.
• Detailed orientation meeting in Quito, walking tour in the city.
• Accommodation at home stay or guest house, half board provided.
• 24 /7 hour emergency help.

Not Included
• International flight
• Lunch: Approximately 5.00 USD.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Visa extensions, over 90 days.
• Personal items.

Location

The project takes place in Quito, Ecuador, which is the capital city.

Country facts

• Population/Area of 12.5 million inhabitants/283,520 sq km
• Major industries include oil, bananas, shrimp, fish, coffee, textiles, metal work, paper products, wood products, chemicals, plastics, fishing, lumber.
• The Amazon covers 2.5 million miles, about the size of the USA west of the Mississippi

Did you know?

The Amazon River discharges 3.4 million gallons of water into the Atlantic every minute - 14 times the discharge of the Mississippi!

Accommodation

At homestays you will have the opportunity to practice your Spanish skills and learn about Ecuadorian culture.

Half-board at both accommodation options, seven days a week, is offered. During the weekends you can enjoy nice trips near Quito, to the jungle, or the Andes. We’ll advise you on the best options, and offer organized activities according to the number of volunteers.

Extras

Time Off

Quito is an excellent access point for weekend travel all around the country. There are also many museums, parks, commercial centers, cafes, restaurants and a lively nightlife (including salsa dancing!) in Quito.
Also, exciting adventure activities around Quito include daily guided treks up the Cotopaxi glacier, as well as ascending the new cable car the "Teleferico" to a height of 4,500 meters (14,760 feet) to take-in the amazing views of the Andes mountains, as well as Quito in the valley far below.
Another must-see is the "Mitad del Mundo" at the equator, just north of Quito, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Still want more football? Why not watch the professionals and head along to an Ecuadorian football match with your friends.
* Spanish lessons are another option you have to improve your language skills while in Ecuador.

What to Bring
Quito’s weather is variable. There are sunny days, but it will get a bit cold in the afternoons and evenings.
• Comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Sunscreen
• The t-shirt of your local team is appreciated for the football school club.
* If you wish to contribute to the project, you can bring articles for the medicine kit. It will be very much appreciated.

Summary

Programme highlights:
• Share your time and interest in football with local children and young amateurs football players.
• Participate actively on a local football school by assisting coaches on daily activities.
• This is a great learning experience for people interested in sports and education and culture.

Dates and Prices

Prices: £1,199 for 4 weeks; £130 for each 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 Sunday of each month.

Just call 020 7384 3343 or email us with any questions.