Sportforce: Gap Year and Career Break Sports Overseas

Programme Information

As an emerging sport, Ghanaian tennis has yet to make a strong impact on the international stage. However, the standard is steadily improving and the Ghanaian Tennis Association (GTA) is keen to develop the country's younger players.

This tennis coaching placement will allow you to work with these players, giving them the chance to have fun and progress in the sport they are most passionate about. You may also have the opportunity to work alongside GTA coaches with some of Ghana's top players.

Your Placement
The tennis placement is ideal for any volunteer who wants to get alongside young people through fun and enjoyable sports activities. The emphasis is on participation and there is no pressure to have any extensive coaching knowledge. The players are keen to take part and, with support from our in-country team and the local coaches, you will soon provide the forum for them to do so. And, if you have the confidence and desire to pursue them, we have a number of links with the top tennis institutions throughout Ghana . Placements have been secured in the National Tennis Centre and the National Sports College in the capital, Accra . Here you can be placed alongside the top coaches

and national youth squads. You can even try your chances against

the African game yourself!

You need

Volunteers will have the chance to coach at a variety of different levels depending on your experience and personal preference. Volunteers start by being placed alongside the coaches at local clubs. Here you will help run training sessions and organise games among the young players. You will also be encouraged to work with players on an individual basis, giving you the chance to introduce some of you own coaching ideas if you wish. Some of your time may also be spent 'spotting' new talent at regular tennis clinics. Furthermore, you will be able to coach and participate in the training sessions for the Junior National Squads. These 12-16 year-olds are serious about the game and have dreams of becoming the first Ghanaians to make a mark on global tennis. Volunteers with a basic level of playing or coaching experience are able to make a worthwhile contribution to the game and its development in Ghana.

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

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:		Organise coaching sessions and games for disadvantaged but keen players in the community
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:		Sports Coaching 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; Social activities
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 coaching experience or qualifications are required, but a basic understanding of the game and/or playing experience is necessary. You also need to be healthy and of reasonable fitness.
Physical Rating:		Moderate fitness level required
Minimum Age:		18
Ideal For:		Tennis Coaching Holidays and Placements in Africa; Sports Activity Breaks in Ghana; Sports Coaching Gap Years and Career Breaks in Africa

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.