Unite people through sports: Become a sports volunteer abroad.
Help as a volunteer in Handball and other sports projects – flexible starting times from 2 months!
- Are you looking for a meaningful and trustworthy volunteer opportunity?
- Would you like to go abroad with your favourite sport?
- Would you like to use and share your sports skills and competences abroad?
- Would you like to open up new perspectives not only for others, but also for yourself?
Then you’ve come to the right place! COACH ABROAD focuses on the field of sport because we believe it’s a great tool to overcome cultural differences and challenges. Sport is a universal language that can be understood by everyone. Our aim is to provide opportunities for sports enthusiasts to volunteer in disadvantaged communities, promoting social inclusion, improving health and developing skills.
Go to the website and look for HANDBALL projects: CoachAbroad.de
12 months abroad with the WELTWÄRTS Program.
Support PLAY HANDBALL with the government-funded WELTWÄRTS program.
If you live in Germany, are between 18 to 27 years old and want to assist us in South Africa or Kenya, apply directly with our partner KULTUR LIFE.
WHAT IS WELTWÄRTS?
- WELTWÄRTS is an international voluntary service for young people aged 18 and over, focusing on development cooperation. Get involved in education, the environment, or HANDBALL, learn together, and experience intercultural exchange.
- Since its launch in 2008, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development provides financial support and government protection for all volunteers.
- The WELTWÄRTS network includes organizations in Germany, Africa, Asia, Latin America, Oceania, and Eastern Europe, offering diverse opportunities for your voluntary service.
- With WELTWÄRTS, you’re contributing to the world of tomorrow and gaining new perspectives.
- For more information, visit: weltwaerts.de
Our contact person at Kultur Life:
With WELTWÄRTS – Voluntary Service in Germany for up to 12 months.
With WELTWÄRTS, you can work for 6 to 18 months in Germany on a nonprofit project in the fields of education, health, environment, culture, or human rights.
For more information and to apply for WELTWÄRTS in Germany, visit: Weltwaerts.de
Q&A: Your Questions, our Answers about the Sports Volunteer Program.
We support local youth development organizations and schools in disadvantaged and rural areas in South Africa, Kenya, and beyond in acquiring handball-specific knowledge and using handball to promote social skills. Many social organizations struggle with financial and personnel shortages to effectively implement programs. Additionally, there is often a lack of opportunities or confidence to learn and offer new sports. We provide our partners access to knowledge, equipment, and volunteers. By doing so, you help raise awareness of team sports like handball and support the daily work of local partner organizations, strengthening their positive impact on youth while also growing through daily challenges yourself.
- You are an enthusiastic handball player or have even experience as a coach (nice to have, but not required). Even if you are not a handball player but an athlete interested in handball, you can apply.
- You have basic knowledge in English or a local language and are motivated to improve your language skills.
- You are open-minded and eager to learn about different cultural and social environments.
- You are willing to step out of your comfort zone and learn with and from others.
With us, it’s not about competitive sports—so no worries! Even if you weren’t the top scorer or the team captain, you can still apply. We are looking for people who are enthusiastic and motivated to share their knowledge and help us provide more children and young people the opportunity to play handball.
You can also support our partners by assisting in the organization of tournaments.
As a volunteer handball coach, you will help one of our partner organisations establish handball in the local community. You will teach children and young people in schools and after-school programs. You’ll promote the sport in your new environment, independently organise and plan training sessions in schools, and clubs, support the coordination of tournaments, and actively strive to engage more girls. In this role, you will work directly with your partner organisation, local coaches, and teachers
You will be placed with one of our local partner organisations or schools and help provide sports offerings both in schools and in after-school programs. The locations vary from rural to urban areas.
Currently, we support organisations in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Find your local assignment on our trusted partner website: CoachAbroad.de
You have the choice: Would you like to help flexibly for 2 months or support us for a whole year through the Weltwärts volunteer program?
Whether as part of your gap year, an (academic) internship in teaching or sports studies, or simply as social engagement—whatever your motivation, we look forward to welcoming you!
Short-term and flexible volunteering opportunities: Check out our partner page at CoachAbroad.de for handball projects and apply directly through Coach Abroad at volunteer@coachabroad.de. COACH ABROAD is our trusted partner and originated from PLAY HANDBALL. You can read more about it in our blog post.
If you’re unsure, feel free to send us an email at volunteer@play-handball.org.
If you are interested in the WELTWÄRTS program, please direct your application to KULTUR LIFE. For South Africa, contact katharina@kultur-life.de, and for Kenya, reach out to josephine@kultur-life.de.
The start date for Weltwärts is fixed: annually in August for 12 months.
Yes, you will need to finance the short-term volunteer placement yourself. Typically, your contribution covers accommodation and meals on-site, airport pickup and transfer, local support, as well as the placement and support services provided by us and our partners, along with any other project-related costs. However, it does not usually include flights, insurance, vaccinations, visas, or other personal expenses.
In contrast, the WELTWÄRTS volunteer service is co-funded by the government. This means that while there are costs involved, these are covered by the government and partner organisations to help finance the programme. However, it is still expected that you contribute by raising donations.
It may sound like a lot of money, and yes, it’s not insignificant. But consider how much it would cost to live at home for a month. Suddenly, the expenses seem more reasonable.
Your contribution covers the costs of your stay and allows us to maintain relationships with our partners and grow the sport. So, not only will you be actively involved, but you will also see directly how your financial contribution helps. In return, you will gain a unique experience that is invaluable for your personal and professional development. You will immerse yourself in South African or Kenyan culture, learn new sporting and social skills, and make a positive impact on the lives of local children and young people. Above all, you will make new friends and create unforgettable memories.
More information: To find out exactly how much it will cost and what is included, visit the project page at CoachAbroad.deCoachAbroad.de, or for the WELTWÄRTS programme, simply contact our partner Kultur-Life: