Destinations: Caribbean , Trinidad and Tobago
Activities: Field Research / Volunteering
Nestled right in the heart of the island, Arima is a typical Caribbean town that will give you a unique insight into day-to-day life on a Caribbean island. The local architecture, with its wooden walls and corrugated steel rooftops, gives the town a certain ramshackle charm. For a more lively experience of Arima you'll want to head for the local market, where brightly coloured fruits clutter every corner, enthusiastic vendors vie for your attention and the pungent smell of fresh fish assaults your nostrils. The town boasts a selection of traditional festivals including the Borough Day Celebrations and the Feast of Santa Rosa, both of which hail back to the town's eventful history. You'll be working at the Larry Gomes Stadium which was built in 2001 for the under 17's World Cup. In this legendary setting you will be helping to coach local children so that they, like many other children around the world, can grow up with the dream of being an international footballer.
Day by Day Itinerary
Project details:
The Trinidad and Tobago Youth Soccer Organisation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing youth and social development through football. The aim of the project is to give children aged 4 - 16 a positive learning experience through football, improving their self-esteem and re-enforcing the family unit.
The project is based at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, Trinidad. You will be working alongside children, and other volunteers who are often parents of the children being coached.
Why the project needs volunteers:
This is a project that aims to develop local children who have expressed an interest in the game and otherwise may not be able to gain the experience. Working alongside local volunteer coaches you will be able to pass on your knowledge, skills and also ideas to help the project grow and progress. Currently, the project is time-restricted as the majority of volunteers are in full-time employment. Volunteers staying longer term may be able to assist in setting up games during the week, which is currently not possible.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Volunteers for these projects must have a love of children and football and be committed to the project. While no formal qualifications are required for football coaching in Trinidad, you will need to have background experience of playing the game. A genuine interest in teaching sport and any previous coaching experience will be very welcome. You will need to be flexible and be willing to get involved in anything that is asked of you. To ensure that you get the most out of - and contribute fully to - your project a pro-active attitude is essential, and any skills that you have in any area will be more than welcome.
Your role as a volunteer:
Within your first week you will receive basic training in coaching from a fellow volunteer who is trained as an instructor. This will enable you to help out with the coaching, which mainly takes place on a Sunday. You will also be required to help out with field work on Sundays, and possibly Saturdays, which involves getting equipment ready, managing the children on the field, supplying water and other tasks. During the week during school term, you will assist with office work and networking, although the schedule is very laid back. You may also be able to start your own project during the week, as week-day activities are currently restricted by the lack of volunteers available to run them.
During school holidays there is additional work to do during the week e.g. helping at tournaments at Easter and at football camps over the summer holidays.
Where the project is based:
This project is based in the town of Arima and you will be accommodated in a local homestay.
Please book your flight to arrive into Trinidad (airport code POS) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup.
Departure Dates
Departures available year round. Please call for details.Prices
Base Price: £745Cost Per Extra Week: £175
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
