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Join our football coaching volunteer project in India and coach football to children in the stunning city of Udaipur. You will organise football coaching sessions in schools and give disadvantaged children the chance to play and be coached in their favourite sport.
... 5% OFF for trips lasting 5 weeks or more, if mentioned at point of booking ...
Football in India
India is by no means associated with football greatness. This is largely to do the fact that cricket dominates nearly every household throughout India. However, football is loved and played by thousands of children in India. Improvised street football matches are just as common as games of street cricket. Sadly, however, this is the limit of football opportunities for most children in India. This is why you, as a volunteer football coach, can make a huge impact to young football players in India by providing structured coaching sessions in local schools in the city of Udaipur.
Your Football Volunteer Placement
You will work in schools around Udaipur where you will work to establish and improve football coaching classes. In many cases, sport is neglected in Indian schools because, culturally, Indians only promote activities if they see to have a direct benefit on their children’s career. Many schools are therefore very keen for you to engage young people in sport through organised sports activities.
During your time you will be placed in two schools coaching football to a wide range of children. The first is an international school with modest facilities where you will run daily sessions working with different age groups, as well as the school football teams. The second school is a school for children with speech and hearing impairments. The children are hugely enthusiastic about sport and the school has its own football teams that compete in small tournaments throughout the year.
We welcome football volunteers from all walks of life that are passionate about playing or coaching football. The focus is not on creating India’s next football star, but on giving disadvantaged children the opportunity to play football as part of a structured team or club. Recognised coaching qualifications are, therefore, not required but you are expected to have a reasonable amount of playing or coaching experience.
Your Football Coaching Role
Your role in the schools will be to organise football coaching sessions and matches for the children. These football sessions will take place during the school timetable however those who stay for extended period of time can also look to incorporate additional after school football clubs for the school teams. You will soon discover how effective your football sessions can be since many of the children are talented players that simply haven’t had the opportunity to play in a structured environment. By introducing the basic principles of movement, passing and team play, your football players will improve dramatically. Organising and managing football matches against other schools are great ways for your players to experience the competitive side of sport while also developing a real sense of belonging with their team mates. The physical and health benefits of playing regular football are also an important part of your football coaching project.
Your football coaching schedule can include the following: Warm up routines and stretching guidance, rules and regulations of the game, positions within a team, ball control and footwork, dribbling and passing techniques, shot technique, heading techniques, positional play, set piece play including free kicks, corners and penalties, the basics of goalkeeping, coordination of attacking formations and defence, as well as team work and game play strategy.
CRB/ DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check
It is a requirement that participants complete a CRB/ DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) check in order to take part in this project. Sporting Opportunities can provide this service for you at an additional cost of £30. For more information on the application process please take a look at the relevant Add On Tab.
Gap Year Football in India
A gap year is a great time to join a gap year project in India where you can coach gap year football, meet hundreds of gap year volunteers and experience exciting gap year travel in India. Taking a gap year in India will change you forever, offering you unforgettable gap year memories and providing close friendships that will last long after you return him from your gap year in India.
Download the Football Projects Info Brochure - Click Here!
Quick Facts
- Trip Name
- Football Coaching Volunteer Project
- Trip Code
- INVFB1
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- India
- Airport
- Udaipur Maharana Pratap Airport (Airport code: UDR)
- Minimum Duration
- 2 Weeks
- Maximum Duration
- 12 Weeks
- Minimum Age
- 18
- Trip Type
- Volunteering
- Activity
- Football
- Cost
- From £500 for 2 Weeks + £250 per Week
- Deposit
- £ 195.00
- Preferred Duration
- There is no preferred duration but we believe that the longer you can stay the more you will experience and benefit. Please take into account that the first week of your project will be a cultural orientation in the city of Udaipur.
- Pre-requisites
- No prior coaching experience or qualifications are required, but a basic understanding of the game and/or playing experience is necessary. It is important that you can speak English. Volunteers are required to provide a valid CRB/DBS check in order to take part in the project.
- Ideal for
- Sports Gap Years and Career breaks; Gap Breaks; Gap Years and Volunteer Travel; Football Coaching in India; Sports Volunteering in Asia; Student Summer Holidays.
• • •
Arrival Dates
Start dates are every week of the year with your activities starting on a Monday. We therefore request you arrive on the Sunday before to receive a free airport pick-up and transfer. Early or late arrivals will incur an additional charge of GBP £40 for transfer and GBP £40 for the additional night including food, so arriving on the Sunday will be your better option.
Your trip will finish on the Saturday morning when you will need to vacate the accommodation.
Note: The first week is centred around Udaipur and the surrounding area for a comprehensive orientation and induction week with the sports project starting on the proceeding Monday. Therefore, if you want to do at least 2 weeks coaching you should come for a 3 week trip.
Please also note that India is known for it's festivals, so during some periods of your trip this may disrupt normal schedules. However, our in-country team are there to make sure you are kept busy and enjoying all aspects of your India experience.
Visa
British Nationals will not require a visa to enter India. For a stay up to 30 days you can get an evisa which is emailed to you. For longer stays up to 60 days, you are required to get a tourist visa. Anything over 60 days we will need to send you a letter of invitation. To read more about visa requirements you can click here.
• • •
Included
- Accommodation
- Volunteer camp with shared rooms (2-8 people per room); Basic but comfortable; Shared toilet and shower facilities; Communal areas for socialising and relaxation designed with an authentic Indian style; internet access and use of a TV with international cable channels; Single and double rooms may also be available – contact us.
- Food
- 3 meals a day are provided on weekdays, and then 2 meals per day on weekends; Basic but nutritious vegetarian meals are provided. Meals are of a typical Indian fare.
- Airport Transfer - Arrival
- Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early/late.
- Training
- A full orientation and project induction takes place in the first week centred around Udaipur and the surrounding areas. You will also receive full training relevant to your coaching role in the schools.
- Support
- Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.
- Donation
- Part of your fee is used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. If you wish to bring further donation, please make sure that this is in the form of equipment and not monetary donations.
- Travel Equipment and Medical Discounts
- Sporting Opportunities customers will receive 10% off all Travel Equipment, Medical Supplies and Vaccinations from Nomad Travel Store.
• • •
Not Included
Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Payment for transport to / from placement; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary. Departure Transfer.
• • •
CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check
Destination: N/A,
Duration: N/A
Complete your CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check for volunteer placements through Sporting Opportunities.
From £30
From £30
From $50
From €36
From $54
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India is a land of overwhelming richness, both in its landscapes and among its people. Snow-capped mountains line the northern border while palm-fringed beaches line the southern coastlines. Tribal villages co-exist with cosmopolitan cities. Modern India has also become an epicentre for business in Asia with its political and commercial influence steadily on the rise. However, while business thrives in India’s cities, over 250 million people still live below the poverty line. This is why India needs volunteers like you to work on a number of impacting community projects.
When you think of sport in India, it is hard not to make an instant connection to this country's love of cricket. Cricket is like a religion in all areas of India, with one of the highest value sports leagues in the world in the IPL, it is easy to see why! As well as cricket India has a new found love for football, with many players close to retirement being tempted to the new ISL soccer league.
Quick Facts
- Name
- Republic of India
- Location
- Southern Asia
- Bordering Countries
- Bangladesh, Bhuta, Burma, China, Nepal and Pakistan
- Capital City
- New Delhi
- Government
- Federal Republic
- Population
- 1.2 billion approx
- Language
- 14 official languages; English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Urdu, Punjabi and more
- Currency
- Rupees (INR)
- Name
- Republic of India
- Poverty
- 25% of population below the poverty line
- Main Exports
- Petroleum products, textiles, gems, chemicals, leather
- Climate
- Varies from tropical monsoon in the south to temperate in the north
- Time Zone
- GMT +5.5
- Flag

Fun Facts
• India is the largest tea producer in the world
• India has more post offices than any other country
• Bollywood is the largest film industry in the world
• India has a Bill of Rights for Cows!
Travel Highlights
• Trek through the foothills of the Himalayas
• Whizz through bustling Indian streets on a rickshaw
• Sample the flavours of a real Indian curry
• Discover the history and architecture behind the Taj Mahal
• Ride an elephant and gain a new view of the world
Where is India?
The Republic of India is located in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan. India’s bordering countries are Bangladesh, Bhuta, Burma, China, Nepal and Pakistan.
History of India
The first great Indian empire was carved out by the Indus Valley Civilisation, commonly referred to as the Harrapans. They constructed cities, established trade routes and introduced religious deities that have now evolved into the modern day Hindu gods of Kali and Shiva. The Aryans followed the Harrapans. They established the caste system and wrote the sacred teachings of Buddhism and Hinduism, known as the Vedas.
In 326BC, Alexander the Great invaded India. The attack was short lived and the Mauryan Empire soon became the ruling force over much of the Indian Empire. Political and religious stability was achieved and the caste system grew steadily during this period. Ambassadors for the Buddhist faith were dispatched to ‘spread the word’ in Sri Lanka and Nepal. However, the unified India became divided throughout the next 1000 years, with the Vijayanagar Empire seizing control over the south and the Guptas ruling in central India. These pockets of power were later amalgamated by, perhaps, the most famous Empire in Indian history – the Islamic empire of the Mughals. The Mughal Empire brought architectural grandeur and gigantic leaps in art. Many of these symbols still exist today, including Agra’s Red Fort, Hamuyan’s Tomb in Delhi and Shah Jahan’s Taj Mahal.
The Mughal Empire ruled from the 16th century until European expansionism saw the rise of the British East India Company in Asia. The British become the dominant colonial power in India, their influence spreading from Kashmir in the north down to Tamil Nadu in the south. The British Raj ruled for over 150 years, exploiting India’s natural resources and imprinting their culture on the country. The British were soon resented throughout the empire and uprisings became commonplace. Such unrest eventually led to the independence from the British in 1947. Much of this victory was thanks to one of India’s most famous and well loved figures – Mahatma Ghandi. However, this break from British rule led to the Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims fighting to assert their place on the Asian continent. Sadly, this has been the cause of much bloodshed, particularly between Pakistan and India where Kashmir has been a hotspot for fighting and civil unrest.
India’s history is certainly a turbulent one, but political and economic stability in recent years has seen the country emerge as a leading international figure, particularly in politics, business and e-commerce. Nevertheless, India is still home to vast regions of deprivation and millions continue to live in poverty.
Language in India
Hindi is the most widely spoken language in India and the primary tongue of over 40% of the population. There are over 14 official languages, but English is widely spoken and seen as the most important language for political, social and commercial communication.
Food in India
There is no simple definition of an Indian meal. The food is as diverse as the country’s landscape. And not all Indian food is hot and spicy, as many assume. There is a wide variety of mild dishes, flat breads and sweet deserts that make up India’s cuisine. Each region has its own specialities, so you will discover new dishes and flavours as you explore the country. Indian food is often eaten with the hands but you should always use your right hand and never let food pass the first joint of your fingers. Your fingers should also never touch your mouth directly.
Climate in India
India is a vast country which means the climate various significantly between regions. While the northern areas of Jammu and Kashmir are doused in snow, the central plains receive baking sunshine. Temperatures increase to around 45°C from February to May before the monsoon season starts. Although it doesn’t rain all day in the monsoon season, there are heavy downpours every day. The monsoons end in October time and a period of pleasant sunny weather lasts to February time for the majority of India. In the north, October brings a much colder climate. The Himalayan region of Kashmir, Ladakh and parts of Himachal Pradesh are covered in snow and many mountain passes are closed for the winter.
Travelling in India
Air: India is huge country which makes travelling by plane a very attractive option. The local airlines are reliable and there are plenty of departures between the key cities and tourist destinations. Prices are reasonable, but booking tickets can sometimes be tricky.
Rail: travelling by rail is one of the most popular options in India, not only because of the reliability and affordable tickets, but because you will get see some of the most spectacular landscapes rolling past your window. You will also get to mingle with locals from all sorts of class backgrounds. However, be prepared for long travel times. The journey from Delhi in the north to Chennai in the south is around 30hours! Nevertheless, rail travel in India is an adventure in itself. There are six seat classes to choose from: First class with air conditioning (1A), Second Tier with air conditioning (2A), Third Tier with air conditioning (3A), Chair Car (CC), Sleeper Class (SL) and Second Class (II). On hot days, air conditioning is highly recommended and for longer journeys, Sleeper Class is the most popular choice. Finally, make sure you leave enough time to book your ticket at the station before departure – at least half a day is recommended.
Bus: India’s bus network is fantastic for short journeys, particularly between towns and cities. However, for longer trips, buses can be an uncomfortable option due to their basic seating and India’s unkempt roads. Buses tickets are also very affordable.
Rickshaws, Tuk-Tuks and Taxis: rickshaws and tuk-tuks are very cheap and the authentic means of Indian travel. Make sure you agree prices before you set off and do feel free to haggle your driver down – it’s expected. Rickshaws are bicycle powered, so expect them to be slower than tuk-tuks which are the motorised version. Taxis are slightly more expensive and you should make sure the meter is working before you start your journey. Also ensure that your taxi has an official rate card. You can then compare your final meter reading with the rate card – many of the meters are very old and have the tendency to be inaccurate. Finally, be prepared for your driver to take you to various shops and restaurants as they are on commission for doing so. If you really don’t want to visit these sites, politely and firmly refuse.
Sport in India
India is renowned for sporting excellence, especially in cricket and hockey. Professional cricketers are treated like celebrities and thousands of children dream of being India’s next test cricketer. Sport in India is like religion for many. India is therefore the perfect destination to coach sport or play sport. Sport in India is sadly limited to the few who can afford it which means sport is nonexistent in many schools. Furthermore, while cricket and hockey receive a lot of focus, children are passionate about other sports, including football, athletics, netball and basketball. Therefore, by becoming a sports volunteer in India, you can give children access to sporting opportunities that they would not otherwise receive. So check out or sports projects and discover sport in India for yourself.
Volunteering in India
India is a diverse nation with pockets of extreme wealth paralleled with vast regions of severe poverty. India therefore needs volunteers in many areas and our sports projects give enthusiastic volunteers the chance to volunteer in India and make a real difference to developing communities. Volunteering in India will be a life-changing experience for anyone who wants to volunteer alongside other outgoing volunteers in a captivating country. So, if you’re considering a volunteer experience abroad, make sure you consider our volunteer projects in one of Asia’s most breathtaking countries. Volunteering in India will change you forever.
Gap Year in India
A gap year in India is the perfect way to meet other gap year volunteers who are enjoying their own gap year in India. Thousands of gap year travellers take their gap year in India to experience gap year volunteering in India and gap year travel in India. It’s no wonder that India has become one of the most popular gap year destinations out there.
Some of you may be wondering where the money you pay towards your sports placement is actually going. As with any trip overseas, there are many things to consider that incur a cost, all of which are added benefits making the experience as memorable and fulfilling as possible!
Project Assessment
Before you see a sports placement on our website, a lot of background work has gone on. We have met with local organisations, vetted in-country staff, conducted rigorous safety assessments and thoroughly evaluated the benefits of the placement. Only then do you get to see the placement on our website and book or apply for your place, safe in the knowledge that it is a well-structured and great opportunity to gain some sporting experience overseas.
Help Choosing Your Placement
If you are not sure which sports placement or country to choose, our hugely informative Travel Advisors are here to help. They are a friendly bunch, have all travelled extensively, all love sport and can offer lots of advice on choosing the right placement for you. This makes the task of deciding to travel much less intimidating, and far more exciting.
Pre-departure Advice
Once you have booked your placement, you will be assigned a dedicated Travel Advisor to offer essential pre-departure advice on vaccinations, visas, kit lists and more. They will also be on call to answer those important last minute questions like “how many pairs of socks do I need?” and “can I take my mobile phone with me?”
Help with Flights and Insurance
We do not include flights and travel insurance in our placement fee. This avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. It also gives you flexibility to plan any further travel before or after your volunteer placement. We do, however, offer lots of help on this through our leading flights and insurance partners, providing you with an easy booking facility and the best prices around.
Airport Pick-Up
Landing in a foreign country for the first time can be daunting. This is why we ensure our in-country staff are there to meet you on arrival. There’s nothing like seeing a friendly face when you walk out of a new airport. And once we have given you a warm welcome, the in-country staff will take you back to your accommodation where you can meet the people you will be living with.
Arrival Orientation
We will take you through a local orientation and placement induction on arrival. This will introduce you to any useful amenities and local customs, and it will also show you how to stay safe while you are abroad. Our team also have lots of handy travel tips and advice if you are thinking of exploring the country in your spare time.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation is included in all of our sports placements. Our volunteer houses, family home-stays and shared residences are comfortable and very sociable places to live while overseas. In some destinations, you may be able to upgrade to alternative accommodation. Just contact us for details. We endeavour to supply food on all of our placements, however in some cases this is not always possible. In many cases you will receive at least 1 meal a day, please see the project summary for further details.
In-Country Staff
Your safety and enjoyment is extremely important to us. That’s why we have dedicated in-country teams to look after you throughout your sports placement. Our staff live nearby, can be reached 24-hours a day and will check-in with you throughout your placement to ensure everything is running smoothly, and you are happy in your new environment.
24-Hour Emergency Support
In addition to our in-country staff, you will benefit from our international support network. You will be given emergency contact details before you leave which you can call in the event of a crisis. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ongoing Volunteer Project Support
For every person who travels with us, we make a donation to support our registered sports charity, United Through Sport. This donation funds future initiatives in many countries around the worlds, and helps to support the local community, ensuring that those living in disadvantaged communities also have opportunities to develop in their chosen sport.
Giving Others the Same Amazing Opportunities
In order to provide a reliable flow of participants on our overseas sports placements, we have to spend a chunk of money on recruiting people like you to take part in these amazing experiences. It costs to maintain a website, an office, phone lines and a team of dedicated Travel Advisors to answer all your questions!
There are quite a few things to consider and to organise before you travel to your chosen destination to take part in your trip or tour with us.
Flights and Insurance
Flights and insurance are not included on your placement which means you will have to arrange them before you leave. But don't panic, this is simpler than you may think! To make life much easier for you, we offer a free, personal booking service through our chosen flights and insurance partner – StudentUniverse, part of Flight Centre. They will guide you every step of the way.
Please only use this service here and do not go into one of their branches as this can complicate things for us.
Browse or book flights using our search engine. Click here to access it.
Alternatively you can call them on 03300 585032 and mention you are considering or are going away with Sporting Opportunities and let them do the hard work. They will also be able to provide you with adequate travel insurance.
Travelling after your trip with us? Need a round-the-world ticket? Not a problem... just discuss this with them too.
Why are flights not included?
By not including flights in our trips and tours, it avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. This keeps the cost of your trip lower and also means you have the freedom to search around for the lowest fares and most flexible tickets that fit your travel plans. It also means you can benefit from the expertise of our preferred partner.
What happens when flights and insurance are booked?
When you book any trip with us, you will gain access to our online Travel Centre, personalised for you. In here you will have all the information about your trip and how to plan for it, including the contact details for our in-country team and address you will be staying at.
There are also some forms we need you to complete before you depart, covering areas like your dietary requirements, next-of-kin, medical information, flight arrivals details and more.
Do I really need travel insurance?
We take the safety of our travellers very seriously. You must therefore book adequate travel insurance before you come away with us – you simply won’t be able to participate in your trip or tour if you don’t. Although policies vary, your insurance must include emergency medical expenses, personal accident cover, and repatriation. We also recommend that you book baggage, personal liability and cancellation cover.
Visas
Some of the countries where we work will require you to have a visa. We provide guidance for this against the Trip Summary tab so you can check whether your nationality requires it. If a visa is required we will provide a letter of invitation, if the embassy requests this, as well as all the relevant information you will need to complete the visa application process. This information is provided after you book with us. With all visa applications it is important that you have sufficient space available in your passport for the relevant visas required for your travels, and that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned date of return.
Please note we have no control over the issuing of visas and this is at the embassies discretion. We will help wherever possible though.
Vaccinations
At least 6 – 8 weeks before your chosen travel date you should visit your local GP or Nomad Travel Clinic to discuss your vaccination and medication requirements. Your medical professional will be able to advise you of any recommended and required vaccinations for your chosen destination(s).You should inform your doctor of all of your destination countries, and what activities you plan on doing, and in which regions you plan to stay while you are there, as different regions and activities have different health risks in some countries.
Some destination countries will require you to produce a certificate of vaccination in order to enter the country, so be sure that you understand any vaccination requirements for your chosen destination, so that you do not have any issues when passing through customs.
Above all you should make sure you are well prepared for your travels, so that you have the best experience possible whilst overseas!
Speak To Us
If you have any questions or would like some more information, simply contact one of our friendly Travel Advisors. They will answer any queries you have and tell you what it’s really like to be a volunteer sports coach overseas. You can give us a call, request a call back or drop us an email.
Book Your Place
Once you have decided to volunteer with us, you can secure your place by paying a small deposit. You will then be able to pay the rest of your project fee in easy-to-manage instalments.
Welcome Pack
Once we have received your deposit, we will send you a welcome email confirming your booking. This will contain your personal login details for your Travel Centre – an online account full of useful information about your destination, you chosen project and all the things you need to do before you depart.
Personal Information
We will ask you to provide some key information to help us create the best volunteer experience for you, such as medical and dietary requirements, any previous coaching you have done, and what you’re hoping to get out of your time abroad. We may also ask you to complete a police background check.
Flights and Insurance
You will need to book your flights and travel insurance before you leave, and then provide us with these details. We do not include flights and insurance in the project fee (to avoid passing on extra admin costs to you) but our partners will help you find the best options around.
Visas and Vaccinations
Next you will need to get your vaccinations and visas for your project. Your travel nurse or local doctor will tell you exactly what you need. We will also provide you with lots of information to make obtaining your visa very straightforward.
Final Payment
We will ask you for your final payment 90 days before your scheduled departure date. Once paid, you will be ready to pack your bags, grab your passport and get on the plane!
Orientation
Our in-country team will give you a warm welcome at the overseas airport before taking you to your accommodation. You will then receive a comprehensive orientation to help you settle in to the country and prepare you for your project.
“The volunteering and the staff made this the best 12 weeks of my life. To see how positive the community reacts on the work of the volunteers forces you to do your best to leave a good impression.”
Patrick Radmacher
"Football Coaching in India was awesome - from the time I arrived to the day I left. The people, especially the children, the culture, the food, were all so great! It was an experience that I will never forget! Thank you Sporting Opportunities.... Sanj."
Sanjay Thanki
Nomad Travel Store
If you need travel kit and/or vaccinations then we have the perfect solution for you. Check out the details below and get great discounts to help you along your sports travel plans!
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In addition Nomad have been providing travel health advice to thousands of people to ensure they leave prepared health-wise for their sports trip. As well as general advice about your destination, vaccinations and information about anti-malaria options, you will also be able to discuss any health issues you might be worried about when travelling abroad.

Sporting Opportunities have teamed up with Nomad Travel Stores to offer great deals on a whole range of equipment and clothing.
By quoting 'SW1000' you will be entitled to a 10% discount on travel gear and vaccinations, both online and in-store.
Visit their website to take advantage of this great offer and service here: www.nomadtravel.co.uk
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