ABOUT NEPAL (NEW)

— The program will start on August 28, 2026 —

Pokhara is a vibrant city in western Nepal, beautifully located on the shores of Phewa Lake and at the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayas. In and around Pokhara, you will support our project focused on providing sports activities for children and young people from vulnerable neighborhoods and surrounding villages. In these areas, many children face a lack of access to physical activity, limiting their opportunities to participate in organized and high-quality sports programs.

Although children often receive physical education at school, it is not always common for them to engage in structured sports activities after school. A lack of facilities, equipment, and proper guidance makes it difficult for sports to become a sustainable part of their daily lives.

As a sports trainer, you will have the opportunity to inspire and motivate these children to stay active and develop a healthy lifestyle. By delivering sports sessions in the activities they enjoy most, you contribute not only to their physical health but also to their self-confidence, discipline, and social skills (life skills).

Our projects in Pokhara are supported by local sports students and young trainers. This support makes it easier to connect with the children and young people in the program and offers a valuable opportunity for mutual cultural exchange. In addition, local youth benefit from practicing their English, while you build new friendships with peers from Pokhara.

Pokhara offers an inspiring and diverse environment for your internship. The city is known for its impressive natural surroundings, relaxed atmosphere, and welcoming community. With views of the Himalayas and daily life centered around Phewa Lake, Pokhara is a unique place where you can not only make an impact but also create an unforgettable personal experience.

Poverty is also a reality for many families in Pokhara. Although the city is an important tourist destination, many people live in vulnerable conditions, especially in the outskirts and surrounding villages. For many children, this means having little to no access to sports facilities or organized sports activities.

By working together with local organizations and schools, you can make a positive contribution to the lives of these children. At the same time, you will learn valuable life lessons yourself and create memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. Together, we can work towards breaking the cycle of poverty and lack of access to physical activity, contributing to a healthier and more promising future for the children of Pokhara.

Sports in Nepal

Sport plays an important role in daily life in Nepal, especially among young people. Despite limited resources, there is a strong passion for sport and physical activity.

Football is the most popular sport in Nepal and is played everywhere: on the streets, schoolyards, and open fields. Cricket is rapidly gaining popularity, partly due to the growing success of the national team. Volleyball is often considered Nepal’s national sport and is accessible and widely played in both urban and rural areas.

In addition, basketball and athletics are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among young people in cities such as Pokhara. Traditional martial arts and forms of self-defense are also part of the country’s cultural and physical traditions.

Due to its mountainous landscape, Nepal is world-renowned for trekking, mountaineering, and other outdoor sports. In and around Pokhara, activities such as running, hiking, and outdoor training are closely woven into daily life. This diverse sports culture reflects both Nepal’s rich traditions and its natural environment.

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FOOTBALL COACH

Football is loved all over the world, and in Nepal the sport also plays an important role in the daily lives of many children and young people. In and around Pokhara, football is played enthusiastically on schoolyards, open fields, and in local neighborhoods. While the passion is strong, proper guidance and structure are often lacking.

Through the football project in Pokhara, you contribute to the grassroots development of football in Nepal. You will train children and young people at local schools and in communities with limited access to sports opportunities. Many participants grow up in challenging circumstances. Sport offers them a positive and safe environment where they can build self-confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

As a volunteer, you will be part of an enthusiastic team of local coaches and international volunteers in Pokhara. Together, you will work with schools and local sports initiatives to provide football training for children and young people. You will deliver after-school training sessions and support regular practices on nearby sports fields.

Football is extremely popular in Nepal, and many children have natural talent and a strong passion for the game. What is often missing is knowledge of the rules, tactics, and team play. Your role is to bring structure, improve technical skills, and help players better understand the game.

Through your commitment, you contribute to the sustainable development of football in the region. At the same time, you support local organizations in reaching more children and using sport as a tool for personal growth and social connection.

WEEKEND

During the weekend, you are free to make your own plans, but we strongly encourage you to join our cultural and adventure trips around Pokhara. These trips are designed to help you discover Nepal in a meaningful way and always support local communities. Think of visits to mountain villages, temples, or natural areas in the region. These are unique experiences that you won’t easily find in travel guides and are a valuable addition to your volunteer experience in Nepal.

BASKETBALL COACH

The focus of the basketball project in Pokhara, Nepal is on setting up basketball training sessions and creating safe playing spaces for enthusiastic children and young people in and around local neighborhoods and schools. Most participants are between the ages of 8 and 16. Basketball is still developing in Nepal and receives less attention than sports such as football or volleyball, which means that basic rules and techniques are not always well known.

This is exactly where you, as a volunteer, can make a difference. Through your involvement, you not only help basketball grow as a sport, but you also have a direct and positive impact on the children and young people taking part in the training sessions.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

The goal of this project is not to train the next international basketball star. You do not need to be an experienced or certified basketball coach. With a basic understanding of the game and enthusiasm for guiding training sessions and group activities, you will already be of great value. The children are motivated, eager to learn, and love learning from you.

Together with our local staff and partners in Pokhara, you will organize basketball training sessions, clinics, and friendly matches. During the training sessions, the focus is on fundamental skills such as dribbling, passing, off-ball movement, positioning, and shooting. By combining structure with fun, you help build self-confidence, teamwork, and social skills among the participants.

Over time, you may also have the opportunity to organize small tournaments and help establish a more structured basketball program within the community. In addition, there is room to introduce basketball to local schools through workshops and introductory training sessions.

Because basketball is still a relatively small sport in Nepal, we encourage volunteers to combine their basketball activities with other sports projects. This allows you to get the most out of your experience and gain a broader perspective on sport and culture in Nepal.

WEEKEND

During the weekend, you are free to make your own plans, but we strongly encourage you to join our cultural and adventure trips around Pokhara. These trips are designed to help you experience Nepal in a meaningful way and always support local communities. Think of visits to mountain villages, temples, or natural areas in the region. These are unique experiences that you won’t easily find in travel guides and a valuable addition to your volunteer experience in Nepal.

VOLLEYBALL COACH

Volleyball is a sport that is steadily developing in Nepal. In and around Pokhara, interest in the sport is growing, especially among young people. Although Nepal is not internationally known as a volleyball country, enthusiasm is high and the sport is increasingly played in schools and local communities. Volleyball is particularly popular among girls, as it is accessible and requires minimal equipment.

Local schools and sports initiatives in Pokhara play an important role in the development of volleyball. They organize training sessions, matches, and small tournaments, giving both beginners and more advanced players the opportunity to improve their skills and enjoy the sport.

A key factor in the growth of volleyball in Nepal is the strong focus on youth. School programs and after-school activities ensure that children and young people are introduced to the sport at an early age. In addition to physical activity, they develop important skills such as teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence.

International collaborations also contribute to the development of volleyball in Nepal. Volunteers from different countries bring new ideas, training methods, and inspiration. This helps the local volleyball community continue to grow and encourages players to get the best out of themselves.

Although volleyball is not yet as widespread as some other sports, the motivation and commitment of the local community in Pokhara are very promising. The sport not only promotes an active lifestyle but also strengthens social bonds and team spirit.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

The goal of the volleyball project in Pokhara is to make the sport accessible and appealing to the local community. This is achieved by actively promoting volleyball in schools. Children and young people who show interest can participate in free after-school volleyball training sessions.

As a volunteer, you will assist in delivering training sessions, explaining the rules of the game, and organizing fun and structured exercises. At present, volleyball is especially popular among girls, but boys are also encouraged to participate. By using sport as a tool, we give children the opportunity to take part in a sport that might otherwise be seen as “too expensive” or inaccessible.

WEEKEND

During the weekend, you are free to make your own plans, but we strongly encourage you to join our cultural and adventure trips around Pokhara. These trips are designed to help you get to know Nepal in a meaningful way and always support local communities. Think of visits to mountain villages, temples, or natural areas in the region. These are unique experiences that you won’t easily find in travel guides and are a valuable addition to your volunteer experience in Nepal.

OWN SPORT / INTRODUCE YOUR OWN SPORT

We encourange volunteers to introduce their own sport. This is not only fun, but also highly impactful: children are introduced to new sports and gain access to a wider range of sporting activities. We are happy to support you in setting up and introducing your own sport. The possibilities are broad, and where necessary, we can also provide financial support to help build the sport in a sustainable way.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

As a volunteer in Pokhara, Nepal, you will lead sports training sessions for children and young people. Many children have talent and enthusiasm but lack structure, clear rules, and proper guidance. Through your involvement, they not only gain a better understanding of the sport, but also develop discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence.

You will not be on your own: you will receive support from other volunteers as well as our local staff and partners. Together, you will ensure that training sessions are fun, safe, and educational.

The training sessions take place five days a week at local schools and sports fields in and around Pokhara. These schools attract children from different neighborhoods but often have limited sports facilities and little physical education. Your presence and commitment are therefore greatly appreciated. You will quickly become a familiar face in the community and easily connect with the local population.

Each day, you will provide approximately three hours of training to children between the ages of 6 and 13. The activities are active and energetic, while still leaving enough free time to explore Pokhara, relax by Phewa Lake, or take Nepali language lessons.

WEEKEND

During the weekend, you are free to explore on your own, but we strongly encourage you to join our cultural and adventure trips. These trips allow you to experience Nepal in a unique way and always contribute to local communities. Think of visits to mountain villages, temples, or natural areas around Pokhara. These are experiences you won’t find in standard travel guides and form a special part of your volunteer experience in Nepal.

ACCOMMODATION

 
Information about accommodation in Pokhara will be posted here soon.

ARRIVAL DATES

We can pick up volunteers in Kathmandu at any time.

2026

August 28

WHY THE POWER OF SPORTS

  • No registration fees and a non-binding intake interview.
  • The Nepal project “Khelkhud Ko Urja” (The Power of Sports in Nepali) was founded by us.
  • Our international volunteer programs are affordable, especially considering what is included.
  • The only Dutch travel organization fully focused on social sports travel.
  • We tell an honest story and carefully assess whether you are a good fit for the project.
  • Our programs are carried out responsibly and have a proven positive impact.
  • All our staff are highly familiar with our international programs.
  • We offer strong personal guidance, both before departure and during your stay abroad.
  • We are founders and members of the “Volunteer Aware” quality label, highlighting that our projects are rooted in a genuine commitment to a meaningful cause.

How much experience do I need for my volunteer work?

For none of our projects is it necessary to hold certificates or to have completed a (sports-related) degree. As a volunteer, you will have a supportive role and you will never be on your own. We are not necessarily looking for the next top athlete from Nepal; instead, we aim to help children from all social backgrounds develop socially and build life skills through sport. You give the next generation the opportunity to take part in sports in a fun and well-organized environment. Regardless of your background or experience, you can be confident that you will make a positive contribution by volunteering as a sports trainer in Nepal.

What is important is that you have a basic understanding of the rules of the sport you will be teaching and, above all, show a lot of enthusiasm. It is also not required to speak the Nepali language. You may choose to take Nepali language lessons, but fortunately, everyone speaks the language of sport!

I am a vegetarian. Will my dietary preferences be taken into account?
If you let us know in advance that you are vegetarian, arrangements can be made for your meals in Nepal.

Can I only teach football, basketball, and volleyball?
No, you can basically teach almost any sport. The project in Nepal is still in its early stages, so we are actively expanding our programs. A fun way to make an impact is to introduce a new sport!

What do the Nepali lessons look like?
Nepali lessons take place at our location, daily after dinner. They are taught by a professional instructor and total 20 hours. If you would like to take extra lessons, let us know and we can arrange that for you.

What should I be aware of when going abroad?
After our optional intake conversation, where we discuss the basics, we will also send you a “welcome pack” that details everything you need to know: what to bring, what to watch out for, and other practical information.

How many other people will I volunteer with?
There are always other interns/volunteers at the accommodation in Nepal. Group sizes range from 5 to 15 people. They come from all over the world, not just one country. You can contact us in advance to ask how many others will be present during your stay. We also create a group chat with everyone traveling at the same time, so you can get to know each other beforehand.

Niraj Adhikari

My name is Niraj Adhikari, and I am from Pokhara, in the Kaski district of Nepal. I completed my high school education with English as my major subject.

I am a passionate sports enthusiast and have been working as a trekking guide in Nepal for the past five years. In this role, I have guided tourists from all over the world, which has helped me develop strong communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to interact with different cultures. I believe it is important for people to feel welcome and safe, and I always do my best to assist others.

I speak and write fluent English and Hindi. People describe me as friendly, reliable, and professional. I enjoy working in a team and place great value on honesty and respect.

A four-week stay costs €850, including:

  • Amezing accommodation.
  • Airport/train station pick-up and drop-off in Pokhara.
  • Transportation to and from the project locations.
  • Airport pick up/drop off.
  • Breakfast and lunch.
  • Nepali language and culture lessons.
  • Introduction and (historical) orientation tour upon arrival.
  • Free The Power of Sports shirt before departure.
  • A designated coordinator.
  • Regular social events and group activities with other volunteers and interns.
  • Visa advice and support.
  • Access to the group app with all other volunteers/interns traveling during the same period.
  • Contact details of your coordinator to get in touch before departure.

Each additional week costs €180.

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