Community Sports & Coaching

About this program

Project Overview

Our Community Sports & Coaching program gives you the opportunity to work alongside local coaches, schools and community organizations in Nanyuki, using sport and physical activity to create positive experiences for young people.

Whether you have years of coaching experience or simply have a passion for sport and enjoy working with young people, you can contribute to activities that encourage teamwork, confidence, discipline, fitness and a sense of belonging.

You will have the opportunity to share your skills while learning from local coaches and young people, experiencing how sport is played and enjoyed in Kenya and becoming part of the community around you.

Sport is about more than winning

We believe sport can provide young people with much more than physical activity.

A regular opportunity to play can give children and young people a place to build friendships, develop confidence, learn how to work with others and discover what they are capable of.

Your role is not simply to teach someone how to play a sport.

It is to help create an environment where young people feel encouraged to participate, develop their skills and enjoy being active.

What you may be involved in

Your activities will depend on the organization you are working with, the sports available and your own experience. You may help with:

Sports coaching

Support local coaches with training sessions and introduce drills and activities appropriate to the age and ability of participants.

Football and team sports

Take part in football and other popular team sports, helping young people develop technical skills, teamwork and communication.

Fitness and physical activity

Help organize age-appropriate activities that encourage fitness, movement and healthy habits.

Games and recreation

Use fun games and activities to encourage participation, especially among younger children and those who may be new to organized sport.

Skills development

Share techniques, drills and approaches from your own sporting background while learning about local coaching styles.

Community sports activities

Depending on the program and local needs, you may help organize sports days, friendly matches, tournaments or other community activities.

Bring your experience, but come ready to learn

You do not have to arrive as an expert coach.

If you have played football, basketball, rugby, athletics, volleyball, tennis or another sport, you may already have skills that can be shared with young people.

If you have formal coaching qualifications or professional experience, there may be opportunities to contribute at a deeper level, depending on the needs of our local partners.

But we also want you to learn.

Local coaches understand their players, their community and the environment in which they work. You will have the opportunity to learn from them, exchange ideas and discover different approaches to coaching and youth development.

More than a sports placement

Your experience will extend beyond the field.

You will live with a Kenyan host family, experience everyday life in Nanyuki and have opportunities to discover the culture and community around you.

You will also have the chance to develop skills that are useful far beyond sport, including communication, leadership, teamwork, adaptability and confidence.

Most importantly, you will build relationships with people who may see the world very differently from you, while discovering just how much you can learn from one another.

Our approach

We work alongside existing schools, coaches and community organisations rather than creating activities simply for visiting volunteers.

The needs of the local organisation come first.

Your role may be to support an existing coach, introduce new activities, help with a particular sport or simply bring additional energy and encouragement to regular sessions.

The goal is for your contribution to strengthen something that already matters to the community.

Your experience in Nanyuki

From the moment you arrive at the airport, our local team will help you settle into your new surroundings, introduce you to your accommodation and project, and remain available throughout your stay.

You will have the opportunity to experience Nanyuki beyond your project, meet local people, learn about Kenyan culture and become part of everyday community life.

You come to share your passion for sport, but you leave with much more than sporting experience.

Who is this experience for?

  • People who are passionate about sport
  • Students interested in sports science, coaching or physical education
  • Sports coaches and trainers
  • Athletes and former athletes
  • Physical education students and professionals
  • Gap year participants
  • People who simply enjoy working with children and young people through sport
  • You do not need formal coaching qualifications to participate, although relevant experience or qualifications can allow you to take on additional responsibilities where appropriate.

What's Included

Excursions, Socials & Fun

Organised weekend excursions, cultural outings, and social activities throughout your programme in Kenya.

Accommodation & Amenities

Stay with a Kenyan host family in Nanyuki, sharing everyday life, meals and a real sense of community.

Certification

Certificate of completion recording your service, workshops, and programme activities.

Meals

Three meals per day during your placement, with fresh drinking water.

Trip Overview

Sports coaching

Support local coaches with training sessions and introduce drills and activities appropriate to the age and ability of participants.

Football and team sports

Take part in football and other popular team sports, helping young people develop technical skills, teamwork and communication.

Fitness and physical activity

Help organize age-appropriate activities that encourage fitness, movement and healthy habits.

Sport is about more than winning

A regular opportunity to play can help young people build friendships, develop confidence and discover what they are capable of.

Bring your experience, come ready to learn

Share techniques from your own sporting background while learning from local coaches who know their players and community.