Sportforce: Gap Year and Career Break Sports Overseas

Programme Information

Golf is an increasingly popular sport in Ghana and a number of courses have been developed throughout the country, including in the capital, Accra. However, while many Ghanaians have the talent to reach a high level in the game, the sport remains limited to tourists and to those that can afford the expensive membership fees. There is a clear need to develop the untapped talent within young Ghanaians and by working on our golf coaching placement, you will be able make an important impact to this emerging sport, giving players the chance to reach their full golfing potential. This really is a worthwhile experience for any gap year, career break or sports activity holiday.

Your Placement
You will be based in two areas. The first is at the Accra Golf Club, one of the country's leading courses. The second is in a number of schools surrounding the club. Although golf is understood by students, it is not played due to the obvious financial constraints. However, thanks to sports icons such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson the children are very keen to learn and play the game. The placement therefore involves working in the schools and at the club to introduce golf to new players, aged between 8-17. The most promising players will be invited to attend a golf academy to undergo intensive training, in the hope that they have the potential to become professional golfers. According to individual ability, volunteers will be able to work closely with the academy to develop these players. There will also be free time to travel to Ghana's other golf clubs where volunteers can deliver coaching clinics and try out the courses themselves. There will also be ample opportunity for volunteers to refine their own game through expert tuition at the top clubs.

You need

As a golf coach, you will have the responsibility of running and supervising all training for the players. This may sound daunting, but you will soon see that you have an understanding of golf that the young players are desperate to have. You will also have support from our in-country team who will introduce you to the game in Ghana. The majority of the players will have never swung a club before, so you will begin by simply introducing the basics. Learner clubs and balls will be provided to help you in this. You will, no doubt, find it very rewarding because the raw talent is there which enables the youngsters to pick-up the game quickly. By explaining club selection, shot types and the general rules, your players will develop rapidly. You will soon create a coaching programme unique to you and your players, helping them to reach the peak of their game and enjoy a sport that they would not usually be able to.

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

Optional Teaching in Ghana
In addition to your main placement, you will have the opportunity to teach classes, or assist in teaching classes within one of the schools based in Accra or Kpandai. With a western education, you will be able to contribute massively to the standard of tuition that the students receive. Subject areas include English (language and literature), math, science, journalism, business, IT, RE and a whole variety of extra-curricular activities.

Equipment Donation
As part of our development package to the community, part of your fees goes into providing related equipment needed for placement. These equipments are left behind as that forms part of sustaining development in the community. Cash donations are made sometimes when there are sufficient equipment already.

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

 

Activities:		Teach young Ghanaians English, Math, Science and a variety of other curricular and extra-curricular subjects, across a number of ages and abilities
Arrival Airport:		Please book your flight to arrive into Kotoka International Airport (airport code ACC) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup.
Included:		Volunteer Placement; All accommodation and meals; Airport pick-up and drop off; Orientation; Advice about transport to / from placement; Pre-departure advice and assistance; 24 hour local support; 24 hour in-country support.
Not Included:		Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Payment for transport to / from placement; Laundry service; Soft drinks and alcohol; Extra activities not on itinerary
Accommodation:		Communal House; Basic but comfortable; Dormitory style rooms (2-4 people per room); Shared toilets / showers
Food:		3 meals a day; Basic but nutritious
Typical Hours:		Monday-Friday; 4-6 hours a day; Occasional work at weekends but usually free for personal time and travel. Please be aware that some public holidays may cause some disruption to placement times / days during your trip.
Qualifications:		No special qualification or experience is needed, just enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help.
Prerequisites:		No prior experience or qualification is required,
Physical Rating:		Moderate fitness level required
Minimum Age:		18
Ideal For:		Golf Coaching Holidays and Projects in Africa; Activity Breaks in Africa; Golf Gap Years and Career Breaks in Africa;

Dates and Prices: Summer Special 20% DISCOUNT

  

Prices:

3 weeks                        £795 normally £965

4 weeks                        £965 normally £795

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.