GoEco > South America > Argentina > Sports Coaching Volunteering & Spanish Course

Argentina – Sports Coaching Volunteering & Spanish Course

Fast Facts

The Sports Coaching volunteer program in Córdoba, Argentina, empowers children from communities with limited resources through sports and recreation, providing them with essential life skills like teamwork, leadership, and self-esteem. Volunteers work closely with local youth, offering opportunities for healthy physical activity in a supportive and fun environment. This program serves as a safe space for children to grow while promoting positive social development. To kick off the experience, participants join a vibrant Spanish Language & Culture week, blending engaging lessons with cultural activities, before volunteering. Volunteers with advanced Spanish skills may opt to volunteer immediately instead.

Program Highlights:

Build self-esteem and teamwork skills in adolescents through sports.
Coach popular sports such as soccer, basketball, and rugby.
Organize swimming sessions, outdoor games, and summer camp activities.
Mentor children and teach essential life skills.
Contribute to local tournaments and events.
Experience Córdoba’s vibrant cultural and social atmosphere.
Begin with an exciting Spanish Language & Culture week, featuring group or individual lessons and activities like Tango classes, city tours, and barbecues.

Sample Weekly Schedule:

Arrival Day (Sunday): Pickup from Córdoba International Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Settle in and relax.
Monday–Friday (Spanish Language and Culture Week): Start the week with a fun cultural orientation and a city tour of Córdoba. Take a Spanish placement test followed by lessons—20 hours of group lessons or 10 hours of individual lessons over the week. Afternoons include immersive cultural activities, including Tango or salsa classes, museum visits, barbecues, and relaxing with mate in the park. Advanced Spanish speakers have the option to volunteer instead.
Weekend: Free time to explore Córdoba, enjoy local adventures, or relax.
Following Monday: Begin your volunteer placement with an orientation and introduction to your specific tasks.
Weekdays (Volunteer Work): Volunteer in the afternoons during school terms (4 PM–8 PM) or mornings during summer (9 AM–1 PM). Activities include sports coaching, organizing games, and mentoring.
Remaining weeks follow a similar schedule of volunteering from Monday-Friday and weekends off (unless there is a sport tournament). Volunteers depart on a Sunday and take a bus to Cordoba.

Location of the Project: Cordoba, Argentina

Project length: Minimum 3 weeks, available year-round except Christmas and New Year’s.

Arrival Airport: Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport (COR)

Volunteer Work: Coaching sports, mentoring, and organizing recreational activities.

Age: Min age of 18 – 50

Number of volunteers: Up to 4 international volunteers at each sports project

What’s Included

Accommodations: Comfortable dormitory rooms in a central hostel

Airport Transfers: Airport pickup on arrival day.

Orientation: Cultural orientation and city tour.

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

Flights
Visas (if required)
Travel health insurance
Daily transportation to the project site (~USD 5/day)
Meals (~USD 10/day)
Transfer to the airport on departure day

Location

Córdoba is Argentina’s second-largest city, combining rich Jesuit heritage with modern vibrancy. Its architectural charm and youthful energy to create a unique atmosphere fueled by a thriving university culture. Volunteers can explore bustling plazas, vibrant markets, and scenic neighborhoods while enjoying the city’s warm and welcoming locals, known for their love of music and food. Adventure seekers can head to the surrounding countryside for hiking, horseback riding, or parasailing. Córdoba’s seasonal weather ranges from hot summers to cool winters, offering year-round opportunities for diverse experiences.

Volunteer Work

About the Program
The Sports Coaching program in Córdoba provides children from communities with limited resources and access to sports and recreation. The program creates a supportive environment to foster teamwork, leadership, and resilience while encouraging healthy habits and social development.

Volunteers play a pivotal role in organizing and running sports activities, mentoring children, and providing positive role models. They contribute to creating a fun and engaging atmosphere that encourages personal and social development. Volunteers also help plan and delivering recreational activities, such as summer camps, group games, and swimming sessions.

Volunteer Tasks

Coach sports such as soccer, basketball, and rugby.
Organize swimming sessions, outdoor games, and group activities.
Mentor children, teaching teamwork, and leadership.
Support local tournaments and recreational events.
Facilitate summer camp activities and excursions.

A Typical Day
Volunteers work in the afternoons during the school term (4 PM–8 PM) and mornings in summer (9 AM–1 PM). A typical day involves preparing equipment, coaching sports, organizing games, and interacting with children. After sessions, volunteers help clean up and plan for the next day. Evenings and weekends are free to explore Córdoba or relax. Expect to volunteer 20-25 hours per week.

Living Arrangements

Internet icon Internet: Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation but may be unreliable. Volunteers can purchase a SIM card in the city upon arrival for more consistent connectivity.

Laundry icon Laundry: Laundry services are available nearby for a small fee.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in one of two comfortable program hostels in Córdoba’s city center, close to shopping areas, theaters, bars, and restaurants. The hostels feature shared dormitory rooms accommodating up to three people, providing a social and multicultural environment. Rooms come with bunk beds, comfortable mattresses, and shared bathrooms with hot showers. Communal spaces include a fully equipped kitchen for meal preparation, a lounge area with TV for relaxation, and Wi-Fi access.

Food icon Food: Meals are not included. Volunteers can prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen or dine at nearby affordable restaurants.

Requirements

Basic Spanish proficiency.
Spanish & Culture Week in Cordoba is a must for those with little to no Spanish (included in the program).
Minimum age of 18
General good mental and physical health.
Respect for cultural differences and the ability to work in a team.
Being eager to do things and take charge.
Police clearance certificate.
Sports attire, sunscreen, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent.

Travel Highlights

Córdoba offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions to explore. Wander through historic Jesuit sites or enjoy the vibrant nightlife in trendy neighborhoods. Begin your experience with the Spanish Language and Culture week, where mornings include dynamic language lessons tailored to your level, and afternoons feature activities like Tango or salsa classes, museum visits, and mate in the park. These immersive experiences help you practice Spanish while connecting with local culture. During your weekends or free time, you can explore hiking trails, rivers, or horseback riding opportunities in the surrounding countryside. Our local partner can help organize tours, advising on the best sightseeing spots, and arranging excursions like day trips to the Sierras or visit to nearby cultural festivals.