The schools we work with are all situated in the bustling city of Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The school are mainly ‘Matriculation’ which means that English is taught as the first language. These schools tend to have play areas for sport which is enjoyed as PE classes throughout the day. However most of the schools have only basic equipment such as a few deflated footballs, no nets or bibs and potholed pitches! Some schools even use the car park as a playing ground.

You may teach between 10 and 30 children at a time, between the ages of 7 and 16. Sometimes the children can be split into smaller groups with the PE teacher taking half the children and you taking the other half.

You'll usually coach for 3 to 5 hours at one secondary school only, however there is a possibility that you may coach at two different venues. The lessons are approximately 40 minutes each and you'll coach a variety of sports:

  • Cricket: Cricket is by far the most popular sport in India and has produced some of the finest cricketers in the world. Everywhere you go you'll see groups of children and adults alike playing on every piece of spare ground they can find. Children love to practise at every opportunity so this sport will be in great demand.
  • Football: Football is probably the second most popular sport in India after cricket. All the children in India are keen to play the game! Football is not widely played though so resources are lacking. You may find a few deflated footballs and cones and most of the time you will need to improvise as you may not find goal posts. Football coaching is also available as a full time project.
  • Badminton: Badminton is also one of the most popular sports in India with Sania Nehwal's success drawing children into taking it up. Many children play badminton but few receive proper coaching.
  • Tennis: Although tennis is widely played, the recent rise of Sania Mirza has helped to boost its popularity. The facilities at the schools may be basic and the children may not receive proper coaching; this is where you come in.
  • Volleyball: Volleyball is another popular sport in India and is played in the larger schools.
  • Basketball: Basketball is becoming more and more popular in India so any help you can give the children will be appreciated.

Coaching football is only available from June to February as from the beginning of March the children have to concentrate on studying for exams.

ACCOMMODATION:
For a complete Indian experience we arrange for you to stay with one of wonderful host families. All of our hosts are very welcoming and not only will be made to feel part of the family, you’ll also gain a great insight into Indian culture and customs. Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave India and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family. You may share a room with up to 2 other volunteers and in most of the houses you'll have an en-suite, Western-style bathroom.

FOOD:
Breakfast and dinner will be provided and prepared for you by the family and is mainly local fare allowing you to taste a varied selection of delicious south Indian dishes and exotic fruits. You will need to make provision for your own lunch.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.