Sports Management Internship in South Africa, Port Elizabeth

Our South Africa Sports Management Internship opportunity is a great way to get involved and build on your knowledge and experience of sport in the work place and also support the great efforts of our South African team and what they are doing with thousands of kids each year.

Sport is an incredible way to create change for children to develop socially, physically, mentally and academically in deprived communities.

Sports in South Africa
Sport in South Africa has and always will unite people from every walk of life. South Africans are extremely passionate about sports; football, rugby and cricket are the most popular sports in the country. One of the goals of the project in South Africa is to use sport to teach children who would not necessary be able to practice or have the equipment too. Ultimately the charity is seeking to stimulate children’s minds through the medium of sport. The view is to create a future for them beyond the poverty in which they now live. We believe by showing what is possible we can inspire aspirations and build a more sustainable future and healthier lives. The governing body for sport is starting to improve and support initiatives such as this. That is why we need ambitious and enthusiastic people such as yourself to promote sports to a wider audience of children.

Your Sport Management Internship Role
As an integrated member of a dynamic and collaborative team, you will have the opportunity to shadow the in-country coordinator and experience on-the-job training to assist in increasing the understanding of how the NGO operates and provide a mutually rewarding experience. Due to the flexibility of the structure and the set up in Port Elizabeth, you can play a crucial role in implementing ideas and have a huge impact on the development of sport in the local community. As a sports management and volunteer intern in Port Elizabeth your role will be to assist the in-country team in the day-to-day activities and running of the organisation and the local charity. Successful candidates will be entrusted with key operational activities throughout the week, including; helping out new volunteers through project inductions and local orientations, visiting the placement with in-country staff and helping to arrange new placements with the local sports clubs, local schools and supporting the local charity. It’s not all work, there will be the opportunity to help arrange additional excursions, such as shark cage diving, bungee jumps, BBQ’s, safari’s and matches between volunteers and locals.

A key aspect of the sports internship will be supporting the full time management team and could see you taking part in organising schedules and timetables for weekly coaching sessions within the schools as well as writing funding proposals to raise funds to support the children through the programme. We also need people to support local and international marketing efforts, so writing content and news articles to go out on our social media platforms and website is a vital part of this role. It is also important that you get out into the community and not become an office monkey, so regular visits to the schools where you can also take part in coaching and life skill classes can form an essential part of this sports management internship in South Africa.

Sports management internship duties may also include:
Conducting arrival induction and orientation sessions for new volunteer sports coaches.
Helping our in-country team by attending placements with new volunteers.
Updating the social network accounts and relevant websites with new content.
Training and instructing the sport coaching team.
Managing and coaching sports training sessions when needed.
Encouraging an increase in attendance from children from nearby communities.
Support and help establish new sports placements and internships.
Getting involved with fundraising activities and increasing funding and donations for the NGO.

Candidate specification:
Graduate or undergraduate in Sports Management or related subject.
Outstanding organisation and time management skills.
Self-assured and friendly personality.
You’ll need to supply us with your CV and cover letter explaining why we should choose you for the sports management internship.

This is a popular placement with a limited number of space at any one time, so please only get in touch if you are serious about applying.

Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.

Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.

2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.

3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.

4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.

2025
11th Jan – 4 to 12 weeks
08th Feb – 4 to 8 weeks
08th Mar – 4 weeks
12th Apr – 4 to 12 weeks
10th May – 4 to 8 weeks
07th Jun – 4 weeks
26th Jul – 4 weeks
30th Aug – 4 to 12 weeks
27th Sep – 4 to 8 weeks
25th Oct – 4 weeks

Note 1: 4 weeks = 28 nights, 5 weeks = 35 nights, 6 weeks = 42 nights, 7 weeks = 49 nights, 8 weeks = 56 nights, 9 weeks = 63 nights, 10 weeks = 70 nights, 11 weeks = 77 nights, 12 weeks = 84 nights

Note 2: dates are based on school holidays and are subject to change.

Note 3: All programmes run from Saturday to Saturday.

Note 4: These participant dates are based on the current published school terms in South Africa. However, based on future developments they may change at short notice. We will update you as soon as any changes take place.

Road Trip to Cape Town – GBP £430
We also run a 7 night road trip from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, which may reduce your community activity by one week, so check the session you are booking. On the final day, you can either part ways from Cape Town or head back on our minibus arriving in Port Elizabeth approx. 15:00. You can stay at our accommodation that night if required.

Road Trip Dates 2025
28th Mar – 04th Apr
27th Jun – 04th Jul
22nd – 29th Aug
14th – 21st Nov

Visa
British Nationals only require a visa to enter South Africa if they intend on staying over 90 days but this can be extended once in-country. We recommend you research this yourself depending on what Nationality you are.

Equipment Donation for South Africa
We are dedicated to sustainable development. This is why part of the fee you pay goes towards buying decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in South Africa. You will often use this equipment during your project and it is always left with the community when you leave. In some cases, an equipment donation may not be appropriate so a financial contribution is made instead.

Sports Camps
The majority of your volunteer project will coincide with the school term but during school holidays you will be able to coach at sports camps in or around the Port Elizabeth area. There is a big need for volunteer coaches at these camps and they are a fantastic way of coaching sports to children who do not usually have access to sports during term time. The camps expose sport to a large number of African children and are something the young athletes have come to depend on and really enjoy. The camps also allow you to see other parts of South Africa that you would not otherwise experience.

Other Volunteer Projects
In addition to your main sports coaching project, you can get involved with some non-sports volunteer projects if you wish. Projects range from care work with orphans to teaching in local schools. And with a western education, you will be able to make a significant contribution to the standard of teaching that the young students receive. Subject areas include English, maths, science, business, IT, and a whole variety of extra-curricular activities. Many volunteers find this element of their volunteer trip one of the most rewarding.

Social Life in South Africa
We believe it is important to give our volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of social activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. The social life in South Africa really is second to none and you will return home with some truly unforgettable memories and friends for life. With so many sporty people living together, social sports teams are pretty much unavoidable and there are plenty of local teams to play for. For the less competitive, why not head to the beach for some casual volleyball and football matches in the African sunshine? You’ll also get to experience plenty of Bomas during your stay (authentic South African barbeques under the stars). Sport, friendship and lots of laughs – what more could you want from a social life abroad?

Playing Sport in South Africa
If you fancy playing some sport while you are away, or simply enjoy the social side as a supporter, you should join our sports team, Stroh. A number of matches are played across a variety of sports including football, rugby, cricket and more. This will give you the chance to play against local teams in a fun and competitive environment. Although the matches are often taken quite seriously – it is sport after all! – the side places a strong emphasis on the social side of sport. This gives you a great experience of playing sport overseas while building cross-cultural friendships and enjoying Stroh’s fiery post-match celebrations! If you want to know what Stroh means, I guess you’ll have to book a volunteer project in South Africa!

Accommodation
Your accommodation is basic but comfortable and you will stay in a dormitory style room. The accommodation has a very sociable atmosphere and you will find it a great place to relax and unwind in the evenings. The accommodation is also centrally located to your volunteer project with shops and other useful amenities either a short walk or taxi ride away. With so many volunteers living together, you will soon find our communal house your new home, away from home.

Accommodation
A lodge with shared rooms (4-10 people per room); Basic but comfortable; Shared toilet and shower facilities; Communal areas for socialising and relaxation including pool, TV and games room and bar; Single and double rooms may also be available if requested and booked pre-departure.

View our accommodation photo album.

Food
3 meals a day Mon to Fri and 2 meals (breakfast and lunch) a day at weekends.

Arrival Pick-Up & Transfers
Included on arrival and departure date. Early arrival will be subject to an additional charge.

Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Donation
Part of your fee may be used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. We also encourage you to bring any extra equipment that you are happy to give away but this will need to fall within your personal weight allowance with the airline you travel with. It’s important you discuss the distribution of these items with our in-country team.

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary.

Preferred Duration
We believe 8 weeks is a good duration to come as it takes time to get into the role but the longer you can give it the more you will achieve.

Typical Hours
Working hours are usually weekdays from 9am to 5pm (flexible), with some evening and weekend work.

Pre-requisites
Applicants will need to have at least 1 year of experience in a Sport Management degree (at least 1st year completed), or a relevant field of work. A passion for sport is highly recommended, and an out-going, confident and flexible attitude. Copy-writing experience would be beneficial but not essential.

Ideal For
Sport Management Internship Abroad; Sports Development Work in South Africa; Sports Charity Work Overseas; Volunteer Coordinator and Management Opportunities; Student Placement; Graduate Placement.

Suitable for ages 20 to 80

Most participants are between 20 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community. We have even had people in their late 70s join us so don't be put off!