About Accra and Tinkong

Our project in Ghana takes place in two locations: the capital city Accra and the rural village of Tinkong, located in the Eastern Region, about a two-hour drive apart. While the two locations differ greatly from one another, they share one important characteristic: a large group of young people who deserve opportunities to grow and develop.

Accra is a vibrant metropolis where young people often face external pressures, peer influence, and the lure of criminal activity. In this urban context, the project focuses on providing structure, safety, and positive role models. Tinkong, by contrast, is marked more by passivity: youth tend to loiter, lack motivation, and have little to no access to education or sports facilities. The root causes may differ, but the challenges are remarkably similar.

In collaboration with our local partners — the Live Now Foundation and Rising Stars of Africa — we use sports as a tool to help young people move forward. Sports serve not only to bring joy, but also to teach essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, discipline, and self-confidence. Additionally, we offer educational sessions on topics including gender equality, health, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

At both locations, children and youth receive intensive sports education. But we go beyond sports alone: each site has its own football academy, where young people receive high-level training. At the same time, they follow academic education in small-scale classes, ensuring their development extends beyond the playing field.

Tinkong

In Accra, many young people come from families struggling with extreme poverty. Through the initiative “The Power of Sports,” we aim to provide these youth with access to educational opportunities, enabling them to reach their full potential. Our programs are designed to combine athletic development with quality education, allowing participants to grow both academically and athletically. Our ultimate goal is to equip these students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.

In addition to offering sports education to many children, we also operate our own football academy in Ghana. This academy focuses on training boys with exceptional football talent, preparing them for careers in professional football. Alongside their athletic training, these young athletes receive a comprehensive education. The academy currently has two classrooms full of students, all working hard to realize their dreams, both on and off the field.

Sports in Ghana

In Ghana, sports play an important role in society. Football is by far the most popular sport in Ghana and has a huge following. The Ghana national football team is known as the “Black Stars” and has a rich history in international football. In addition to football, other sports are also given a lot of attention in Ghana. Basketball, athletics and boxing are also very popular.
 
Ghana also has a strong tradition of playing traditional sports and games. A well-known traditional game is “lukasa” or “awalé”, a board game that is widely played in the villages and communities of the country.
 
Overall, sports have a positive impact on the people of Ghana. They provide opportunities for physical activity, competition, entertainment and community building. They are a source of pride for many Ghanaians and have contributed to the success and recognition of the country at international sporting events.
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Sport vrijwilligerswerk Ghana

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ATHLETIC COACH

In Ghana, it is not that easy to develop yourself in athletics. Schools receive little funding for sports activities. The local clubs that do exist do not have proper equipment and too few dedicated staff. This is where you as a volunteer athletics coach can make a huge difference. You do not need any recognised qualifications, just the will to provide athletics training is enough, so to speak. Of course, it is practical if you have some experience in the sport.
Our athletics programmes are based in and around Accra. As a volunteer athletics coach, you will be assigned to one of the athletics clubs or schools in the local community. The athletes are between 10 and 16 years old and vary in talent and experience. However, you will be surprised by the levels of speed, strength and stamina that many of the children possess. The young athletes train hard and dream of being the next athlete to represent Ghana at the Olympic Games or World Championships.
The main goal is to give more young people the opportunity to train in a fun and structured environment. This gives them the chance to be part of a team, enjoy sports and develop in athletics events. The events you can train for example are listed below.
  • Long jump
  • High jump
  • Triple jump
  • Shot put
  • Javelin throw
  • Discus throw
  • 100m sprint
  • 200m sprint
  • 400m sprint
  • 800m sprint
  • 1500m sprint
  • 3000m sprint
  • Marathon

Your Role

During your project, you will support our local trainers in training sessions. You will notice that the young athletes are eager to learn. The rewards are great because the talent is often there, but the experience of a structured training environment is lacking. Through strength and conditioning training, the athletes develop quickly.
Furthermore, you will not be left alone. You will work together with our local team and our other volunteer sports trainers. Together with our other trainers, there is also the possibility to organize sports days. Schools and athletes come together to perform in a fun and competitive environment. It is not only the athletes who compete, because from experience we know that the competition between the volunteers can also get quite heated.

Vrijwilligerswerk Ghana

vrijwilligerswerk Ghana

BASKETBALL COACH

Basketball is considered to be the next emerging sport in Ghana. There is an abundance of talent in the country and the Ghana Basketball Association (GBA) has worked hard to develop a training and development programme. A volunteer basketball coach role gives you the opportunity to be part of the training and games of some of Ghana’s best athletes.
However, this is just one side of the game and you can choose how involved you want to be. Alternatively, you can focus on young and enthusiastic players at a more relaxed level, with the emphasis on fun and developing friendships.
We have links with a number of local schools and league teams at various levels. We work closely with the Ghana Basketball Association and can place basketball coaches at the better training camps. Of course, only if you feel like it.

Your Role

If you are involved with a local team, it is up to you to decide how much responsibility you want to take. Volunteers are usually placed in fun and social teams where they teach players how to play as a team.
By introducing the basic skills, you will soon see the young athletes improve their game. We want volunteers to get as involved as possible with their teams and the competition. You will receive guidance and support from the local coaches who will involve you in training and matches. You are of course welcome to introduce your own ideas, and we encourage you to do so! Think of organising tournaments for your team and putting together your own training sessions.
However, volunteers should remember that there are no high expectations to produce world-class players! We simply want you to make the game fun and enjoyable while giving the players a sense of belonging!

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BOXING COACH

Ghanaians have a strong passion for boxing and it is the most popular sport in Ghana after football. A volunteer role in the boxing world will give you the chance to experience this passion first hand by training with African fighters, some of whom have fought and even won at Commonwealth standards.
The emphasis of this placement is not so much on your training ideas but on your personal development. You will have the opportunity to build friendships with some of the best athletes in Ghana. This will give you a much deeper insight into the world of the West African boxer.
This is a fantastic placement to get involved in the different levels of boxing. You are sure to go home with extra friends having experienced a new way of life in the boxing world.

Your Role

The vast majority of boxers in Ghana come from a two square mile area of ​​the capital, Accra. There are over 26 gyms in this region where talented youngsters train. These youngsters have a burning desire for a better life and can push themselves to the top of their ability. While the passion never fades, facilities and funding are very limited. It is these gyms that welcome you as a fellow boxer.
This experience will give you a taste of Ghanaian boxing culture while giving you the opportunity to improve your own fitness and fighting skills. While we welcome experienced trainers and fighters, there is no expectation that you have a vast knowledge of boxing and training techniques. There are many experienced Ghanaian trainers who can offer you support and guidance. It is up to you to decide how involved they ultimately are in the execution of training and fitness programs. If the timing is right, you will also have the opportunity to become involved in the organization, promotion and execution of a national boxing event.
In addition to your own personal development, you certainly have the opportunity to make a difference to the young people training at the gyms. Many of the young fighters in Ghana have hopes of turning professional, despite the fact that most never make it. So you will find yourself acting as a mentor or friend to open their minds to opportunities outside of the gym.
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FOOTBALL COACH

Football is the number one sport in Ghana. We have excellent relationships with a number of local youth clubs and major academies in the capital, Accra.
We welcome volunteers with all levels of football experience and will find a suitable place for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you are a keen footballer or a qualified and accredited coach.
As long as you have a basic knowledge of the game and occasionally play a game yourself, you have enough skills. Enthusiasm and commitment is all that is needed to make you and your team successful. Many volunteers have very limited coaching experience, but still contribute intensively to the game and to those who play it.
Volunteers are assigned to one of the many youth teams in and around Accra. These teams range from U12, U14, U17 and talent. You will see a tremendous amount of skill and passion that is not often seen in the West. Many of the clubs have trained youngsters who have gone on to professional careers in the game. This has happened both in Ghana and on the international stage.
Many of the volunteers we send to Ghana will be training and nurturing youngsters who are destined for a future in top-level football. However, alongside this desire for development is an immense love for the game. Training in Ghana is not just about serious training exercises and unwavering focus. You will simply be giving more youngsters the chance to play as part of a team, giving them the structure and sense of belonging that is so important to any footballer.

YOUR ROLE

As a coach in Ghana, you will be responsible for leading all training and matches for your club team. This may be daunting at first, but you will find that the rewards are great. The talent is there, but the experience of a team structure is not. By introducing the basics of team play, movement and positioning, your team will develop quickly.
In addition, volunteers are not left alone and you will work with the other volunteers in addition to our local team and local coaches. As a result, you will see that the competition between volunteers can also become very passionate!

SWIM COACH

Most Ghanaians cannot swim. This is despite the fact that the entire width of the country is coastal and there are many public swimming pools available in the country. Although many communities depend on fishing for their livelihood, many people are afraid of the sea. This fear is because many do not feel comfortable in the water, let alone swim in it. Parents are also very strict and do not let their children near the water. In addition, the swimming pools are generally very expensive.

Your Role

You will be working with children aged 5 to 15 who have never had swimming lessons before. These children come from a number of townships in Accra and our own sports schools.
During this project you will be teaching your own full swimming lessons to groups of approximately 10 children per session. You will work with other volunteer swimming coaches to provide fun lessons. You will see the children gain confidence in the water and steadily grow into competent swimmers.
You will assess the children’s ability when you meet them. We will provide you with all the appropriate and necessary equipment such as armbands and floats so that you can bring in fresh and fun ideas to keep the children positive and focused in the water.
There may also be opportunities to work on teaching the children theory lessons. Lessons on important topics such as first aid, health, safety and breathing techniques.
With enthusiasm and guidance you will really give these children a gift. They will become confident in the water and will have weekly swimming lessons to improve their swimming technique. You will also get a lot of support from our local team to give swimming lessons for about 4 hours a day. This will give you plenty of opportunity to participate in other projects and activities. Of course you can also just relax on the beautiful beaches of Ghana or visit the local markets to buy some souvenirs.

Accommodation Tinkong

On the outskirts of the village of Tinkong lies the expansive compound, covering approximately two hectares. It is home to the football academy (which includes its own gym), the school, a day centre for children with disabilities, a large training field, and the volunteer house. Live Now Foundation is a comprehensive development program, with sport playing a central role. The welcoming family house can accommodate up to around 15 volunteers or interns at the same time. There are two bedrooms, each with two bunk beds, as well as several additional rooms with larger beds. The adjacent football academy houses 35 boys, who also sleep in bunk beds. The family house features a spacious and cozy living room, equipped with a large television where all major European football leagues can be watched. In the communal kitchen, volunteers gather around a large oval table, where Kessiwa, the cook, prepares meals for everyone — although you’re also free to fry your own eggs if you like. After dinner, board games often come out and the evenings are filled with laughter and connection.

Accommodation Accra

The apartment is located in a highly desirable area, offering convenient access to all that the surrounding neighborhood has to offer. With ample space, it can comfortably accommodate a large number of volunteers. One of the highlights of the accommodation is the fully functional kitchen, making it a perfect spot for social gatherings.

The apartment is home to a diverse group of international volunteers, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. This multicultural environment often leads to shared experiences, with volunteers frequently spending time together—whether it’s exploring the city, embarking on trips around the country, or enjoying a night out. This sense of camaraderie makes the living experience not just about staying in a great location, but also about building lasting friendships.

ARRIVAL WEEKENDS

In Ghana you can arrive on any weekend. Please note that there are no sports projects during the Christmas holidays. Furthermore, you can volunteer in Ghana all year round.

WHY THE POwer of Sports

  • No registration fee or deposit.
  • Everyone get’s a no-obligation intake interview.
  • The project in Ghana was founded by ourselves.
  • Our projects are affordable, especially when you consider what you get in return.
  • As the only travel organization that focuses entirely on social sports trips.
  • We tell an honest story and assess whether you are suitable for the project.
  • Our programs are carried out responsibly and have a proven positive impact.
  • All our employees are well acquainted with our foreign programs.
  • We offer good personal guidance, both in your home country and abroad.
  • We are founders and part of the ‘volunteer aware’ quality mark. We want to emphasize that our projects are rooted in a sincere dedication to a noble goal.

How experienced do I need to be for my volunteer work?

None of our projects require you to have any certificates or have completed one (sports) study. As a volunteer, you will have a supporting role and you will never be alone. We are not necessarily looking for the next Ghanaian international, but we want to help children from all social backgrounds to develop socially and build life skills through sports. You give the next generation the chance to play football in a fun and organised environment. So whatever your background and experience, you can be sure that you will make a positive contribution by volunteering as a trainer in Ghana.
What is important is that you have a basic knowledge of the rules of the given sport and that you radiate a lot of enthusiasm.

I’m a vegetarian. Will my dietary preferences be accommodated?

  • If you inform us in advance that you are a vegetarian, arrangements can be made to accommodate your dietary needs in Ghana.

What do I need to consider when traveling abroad?

  • After our initial conversation, where everything is discussed, you’ll have some time to decide if this adventure is right for you. If you choose to go ahead, we will schedule a second conversation with you, during which we’ll go through the ‘Welcome Pack’ together. This pack contains all the details you need to consider, including what to bring, vaccinations, and other important preparations.

Can I also volunteer for less than four weeks?

  • For your own personal development, it is best if you are abroad for a longer period of time. If you go for less than four weeks, you will have more of a ‘holiday’ experience. That is why it is only possible to do volunteer work from four weeks onwards. To have the best learning experience, we recommend going for 12 weeks or longer.

How many other volunteers will be there?

  • There are always other interns/volunteers present at the Ghana accommodation. The size of the group varies between 10 and 20. They do not all come from your home county. You can contact us to ask how many others will be there during your period. We will also create a group app with other people from your home country who will be making the trip in the same time frame. This way you can get to know each other in advance.

James Dzandza

James Dzandza, a Ghanaian national, splits his time between Ghana and the UK. He is widely recognized in Ghana for founding a professional football academy that empowers disadvantaged youth by providing opportunities in both education and sports. With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, James is uniquely positioned to offer exceptional adventure experiences to volunteers and interns in Ghana. His deep understanding of African culture, combined with his passion for sharing it, ensures that those who work with him gain not only practical skills but also a rich cultural experience.

4 weeks volunteering is
£780

  • Accommodation.
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off.
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
  • Introduction and guided tour upon arrival.
  • A designated coordinator at your project location.
  • Regular social events and joint activities with other volunteers and interns.
  • Visa advice and support.
  • Access to the groups app with all other volunteers/interns who are travelling at the same time.
  • Contact details of your coordinator and former interns to get to know each other in advance.
  • Any additional week is
    £170
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