This week, our voluntourism spotlight highlights sports coaching in Jamaica. Keep reading for many ways to get involved and make a difference in children’s lives. Tune into this weekend’s broadcast of Peter Greenberg Worldwide for more information. Don’t forget to check back every Wednesday for more voluntourism opportunities.

If you  want to do more with in Jamaica than just lying on the beach, working as a sports coach coaching is the perfect volunteer opportunity. Not only will you help make a difference in children’s lives, but you will also build relationships, strengthen the local community, and get some exercise yourself!

Jamaican culture revolves around sports, and after the success of Olympian Usain Bolt and the Reggae Boys soccer team, children on the island are more passionate than ever about becoming sports stars. Unfortunately, many poor communities do not offer organized programs. Through Jamaica Volunteer Programs, you can dedicate your time and help ensure that these children get to realize their dreams.

There are many different ways to get involved, and you can stay anywhere from one to 24 weeks. Options include assisting as a school sport’s coach, preparing football teams for competitions, developing training programs for the track & field team, and motivating the teams for success. If you are lucky, you may even get to lead the teams to National Championships!

The projects are based in schools in Kingston and St. Andrew, and all programs start on Monday and run through Friday. You can assist on weekends by request. Prices vary based on the amount of time you choose to dedicate, but all programs include airport pick up and transport, shared accommodation (home-stay or dorms), daily breakfast and dinner, orientation, internet access, pre-arrival assistance and in country support. Be prepared to set aside money for lunches, local transport, tipping, and travel insurance.

For inquiries and booking information please visit the Volunteer Coaching webpage. You can view tabs that provide overall program information, cost and dates, photos, videos, and reviews.

By Ashleigh Whelan for PeterGreenberg.com

Feature image credit: Jamaica Volunteer Programs, Maureen Wright-Evans