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Excellent 4.80rating (89)

Kids Sports Coach

location
1 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Sports coaching in Costa Rica is a great way for sports enthusiasts to share their passion, skills, and experience.
  • Contribute your time and energy to coach sports and work with enthusiastic kids to help them to expand their knowledge and abilities.
  • Gain hands-on international work experience while working directly with local kids and families to make your resume stand out.

Highlights

  • Sports coaching in Costa Rica is a great way for sports enthusiasts to share their passion, skills, and experience.
  • Contribute your time and energy to coach sports and work with enthusiastic kids to help them to expand their knowledge and abilities.
  • Gain hands-on international work experience while working directly with local kids and families to make your resume stand out.
  • Make lifelong memories as you explore the area, see secret waterfalls, surf amazing waves, meet memorable locals, and watch breathtaking sunsets.
  • Experience local beach town life while working hand-in-hand with children in Matapalo, Costa Rica.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups

    About the program

    Lead meaningful cross-cultural sports lessons for local children while sharing your athletic knowledge and skills.

    Our program empowers athletes, coaches, and trainers to gain professional and personal experience by leading sports practices, trainings, workshops, and lessons for kids living in a low-income community. WeVOL is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and ...

    About the program

    Our program empowers athletes, coaches, and trainers to gain professional and personal experience by leading sports practices, trainings, workshops, and lessons for kids living in a low-income community. WeVOL is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of Quepos-Manuel Antonio. 

    Known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and laid back culture, Costa Rica is consistently a top choice for eager globetrotters. Matapalo evokes the Costa Rica from years ago with empty beaches, roadside ceviche shacks, and endless miles of stunning beaches and vibrant tropical jungle. Sports Coaches not only get to know and work with Costa Rican children who are motivated to train and practice, but truly experience the Pura Vida lifestyle that attracts so many travellers to this peaceful nation. Our experienced staff will train and support you on effective communication and instructional skills, so you are prepared to deliver engaging activities. 

    WeVOL accepts sports coaches and leaders who are traveling solo, partners, groups, and families. Volunteers receive a certificate of completion for service hours worked. If you are interested in getting even more active, we encourage you to seek new and exciting extreme sports by enrolling in Surf School, going horseback riding, rafting or kayaking, and more exciting area excursions. 


    Typical day

    Typical Daily Schedule:
    Please note: The schedule varies based on the time of year, school schedule, weather, and more. This is a typical daily schedule so you have an idea of what to expect.

    • 7:30: Breakfast (provided, but on your own)
    • 9:00 : Team Meeting
    • 10:00: Primary School Physical Education Class
    • 11:

    Typical day

    Typical Daily Schedule:
    Please note: The schedule varies based on the time of year, school schedule, weather, and more. This is a typical daily schedule so you have an idea of what to expect.

    • 7:30: Breakfast (provided, but on your own)
    • 9:00 : Team Meeting
    • 10:00: Primary School Physical Education Class
    • 11:00 - 12:00: Planning for tomorrow's activities & clean-up
    • 12:00-14:00: Lunch on your own & Free Time 
    • 14:00 - 16:30: After School Kids Sports Camp at WeVOL
    • 16:30 - 17:30: Beach time - sunset, beach walks, surf lesson
    • 17:30 - 19:30: Shower, call home, internet time
    • 19:30:  Hearty and Healthy Dinner

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers will have 5 work shifts per week and will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun. 

    Located between Dominical and Manuel Antonio National Park, our area is full of options during your free time. 

    In addition to the stunning beach, Matapalo also has a ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers will have 5 work shifts per week and will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun. 

    Located between Dominical and Manuel Antonio National Park, our area is full of options during your free time. 

    In addition to the stunning beach, Matapalo also has a great skate park, paved roads for running and cycling, and well-maintained soccer fields. Participants can shop at the thriving local artisan market in Dominical plus the join the night life with live music, dancing, bars and restaurants; head to Quepos to find unique souvenirs and experience Costa Rican city life and experience the local farmers´ market which is a sensory overload of smells, colors, and beautiful people - your days can be as busy or relaxing as needed. Plus, there are waterfalls everywhere! The most visited and a MUST-DO waterfall and hike when you are with WeVOL is the Nauyaca Waterfall. 

    The free time activities here are endless - Surf School, Kayak Tours, Waterfalls, Hikes, Horseback Riding - the only challenge will be fitting them all in before you head home or continue your travels!


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School Diploma level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:30 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Program Includes:


    • Arrival Bus Transportation

    • Shared Room Accommodation

    • Breakfast and Dinner

    • Orientation

    • Transportation to Volunteering Locations

    • Bed linens and Towels

    • Lots of fun with amazing and talented local children - both in the public school and at the WeVOL project site

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    All participants fly into SJO International Airport and based on your arrival time, you may taxi from SJO airport directly to the Tracopa bus terminal or spend your arrival night at a nearby hostel and take the bus in the morning. We will be in constant communication together to make all needed arrival plans using WhatsApp.


    Prior to your arrival, we will have communicated and you will have your bus ticket in the form of a QR code using the Passer App. The bus trip takes about 4 hours and brings you directly to Playa Matapalo. The bus is comfortable with AC and makes a mid-way stop. The WeVOL team will meet you at the bus stop (about 3 minutes away from WeVOL) and bring you to the project site to meet everyone and check-in. 

    Accommodation

    Our modern accommodations are designed to fit and blend in to our natural surroundings and tropical gardens. Relax and unwind as you hear the sounds of waves and wildlife. We have a mix of shared room lodging (no private rooms are available):

    • 5 cabinas (3-5 people) 
    • 1 studio apartment (6 people)

    The cabinas and apartment are comfortable with a mix of double, twin, and bunk beds and include all basic features needed to ensure a comfortable stay and total privacy during your down time. You will be placed in a room based on age, gender, and availability. Our rooms are comfortable, unique, and perfect to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica while relaxing in between surfing, skating, running around with the local kids, and exploring the area. We spend every afternoon enjoying the blazing sunsets and often share time with evening bonfires as the moon rises over the ocean. 

    • All rooms have a private bathroom and entrance.
    • We have outdoor showers and a communal and main kitchen, plus a restaurant on-site.  
    • Laundry service is available for a fee - all clothes will be cleaned and air-dried, there is no dryer but the sun and heat work well.
    WeVOL participants live in a tropical, coastal environment, it’s recommended that you bring:
    • Plenty of sunscreen and bug spray (you can purchase these here, but they are expensive). 
    • Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp. 
    • Don’t forget your swim suits and a rash guard. The weather is very hot, so pack light summer clothes.
    There are ATMs close-by and we will coordinate times when you need to withdraw cash. Most activities and tours can be paid with PayPal, but some required cash only and it is best to have cash for taxis around during your free time. We recommend you budget about $250 per week in cash and probably will not spend that much but can avoid any ATM and bank fees. 

    Food & Beverages

    We are known for our great food! Enjoy healthy locally sourced meals with the freshest ingredients along with caring, friendly service and preparation. We are proud to serve fresh and local produce whenever possible in all of our dishes. Our menu caters to all types of lifestyles and dietary requirements or preferences. Drinking water, tea and coffee are provided.

    Sample Menu

    Breakfast:

    • Provided in the communal kitchen
    • Fresh Local Fruit (mangoes, bananas, pineapple)
    • Toast 
    • Cereal & Granola
    • Eggs
    • Cheese
    • Yogurt
    • Bacon, Sausage, or Sliced Deli Meat

    Lunch:

    • On your own

    All volunteers have access to the communal kitchen and there is a supermarket and restaurants located less than 5 minutes from the WeVOL project site. Based on the day's plan, you may need to pack a lunch with you.
    Dinner:

    • Pasta with ground beef and tomato sauce or Coconut curry chicken with potatoes
    • Vegetarian: Pasta with garlic mushrooms or Garbanzo curry with potatoes

    All dietary requirements are catered for (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, no seafood, dairy free, etc) and we love to cook together. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers can arrive any day and WeVOL provides local bus transportation from the Tracopa bus terminal located near SJO airport. The bus ticket is provided by WeVOL and the bus takes you to the entrance of Playa Matapalo. WeVOL leaders will meet you there and we will be in communication using WhatsApp prior to your arrival and during the bus trip. The ride is less than 4 hours from the bus terminal to Playa Matapalo.

    Participants stay at Guava Lodge located in Matapalo, Costa Rica. Guava Lodge is a five-room modern lodge with a studio apartment and a restaurant on-site. Guava Lodge is located 200 meters from the ocean and has a lovely tropical garden with lush flora and fascinating fauna - imagine monkeys, scarlet macaws, avocado trees and hibiscus flowers! Each room has a private bathroom. Towels and linens are provided. Our staff will make sure that you will feel at home as soon as you arrive.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $520 per week 1 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

    Volunteer photos

    2025
    I booked this trip fairly last minute not knowing what to expect. I had never been to this area of the world or done anything like this ...
    Hari Sharma

    Kids Sports Coach

    2025
    I'm writing this review after spending two of the most amazing weeks in Matapalo, Costa Rica. It was my first time solo travelling and ...
    Scott McCabe

    Kids Sports Coach

    2025
    I had a great stay at WeVol, Matapalo where I did the kids sport coach mission. The kids are super fun and we had the occasion the play ...
    Thomas Richard

    Kids Sports Coach

    2024
    My time in Costa Rica, Matapalo at Wevol was fulfilled with so much joy and happiness. I stayed at the project for 4 amazing weeks working ...
    Leo Hughes

    Kids Sports Coach

    2024
    Three weeks in this stunning area in Costa Rica was the best of my life. This is down mostly to the truly inspiring work that Jaime and ...
    Richard Cole

    Kids Sports Coach

    2023
    A trip worth thousand words and a million and one memories. I am blown away by the experience I just had with WeVol and could not be happier ...
    Samantha Krumholz

    Kids Sports Coach

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Kerri
    89
    reviews
    4.80
    Excellent
    2022
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Spanish
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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