SPORTS: COACH FOOTBALL TO UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN MADURAI

WORK CONTENT AND DESCRIPTION

Everything about my placement coaching football was fantastic - the friendliness of the people in Madurai, the excellent living conditions in the Travellers house and the wonderful support from the in country supervisors. But most of all what really made it for me were the school kids I was coaching - all of them such great characters, extremely dedicated and so grateful for the opportunity to be taught more about football. Tim Roberts

The schools we work with are all situated in the bustling city of Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The schools are mainly ‘Matriculation’ which means that English is taught as the first language. These schools tend to have play areas for sport which is enjoyed as PE classes throughout the day. However most of the schools have only basic equipment such as a few deflated footballs, no nets or bibs and potholed pitches! Some schools even use the car park as a playing ground. Although materials and resources may be scarce, the enthusiasm of the students and colleagues more than makes up for any hardships.

The children are a joy to teach as they are incredibly enthusiastic about games. They turn up for training each day eager to learn new skills, have fun and practice their English. Coaching sports has immeasurable indirect benefits for the children, such as health awareness, increased confidence and social skills.

You'll usually coach for 3 to 5 hours at one school only, however there is a possibility that you may coach in two sessions and at two different venues. You will work in secondary schools and you will normally help out with all age groups. You will be in popular demand wherever you are placed and the children will crowd around you like a celebrity and want your autograph. Keep a pen on you at all times!

The Principal/sports director and/or relevant teachers at the school and colleges will liaise with you about your coaching assignments and our Organiser will also assist you where necessary.

Coaching football is only available from June to February as from the beginning of March the children have to concentrate on studying for exams. However, you may be able to coach during the Summer Holidays (April to May) when Summer Camps are held in some of our schools for approximately 60 children. These Summer Camps actually take place in the school grounds and are an opportunity to give more informal lessons, perhaps combining them with playing a sport or putting together a music concert or play – much more relaxed and not quite so structured. Alternatively, you can use the holidays to tour around the country and sightsee.

If you would like to coach other sports as well, you also have the opportunity to coach volleyball, cricket, football, tennis, table tennis and badminton.

FREE COACHING MANUALS:
As a volunteer sports coach with Travellers, you have access to a large number of coaching manuals for each sport - these manuals have been produced in-house by Travellers and are very useful and will help you to plan coaching sessions for your students.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS:
Please keep in mind that school holidays can change unexpectedly with very little notice given. Although at times this can be quite inconvenient, most of our volunteers use the opportunity to travel around and explore the country.

• First Term Vacation: 26 September to 6 October 2015
• Gandhi’s birthday: 2 October 2015
• Bakrid: 3 October 2015
• Diwali Holiday: 21 to 23 October 2015
• Second Term Vacation: 24 December 2015 to 3 January 2016
• Pongal Holiday: 14 to 17 January 2016
• Republic Day: 26 January 2016
• Good Friday: 25 March 2016
• Summer Vacation: 11 April to 4 June 2016
• Idu’l Fitr : 5 July 2016
• Independence Day: 15 August 2016

Exam Periods: (approx):

• Quarterly Exams: 18 to 25 September 2015
• Half Yearly Exams: 10 to 23 December 2015
• Annual Exams: 2 to 11 April 2016 (although teaching is limited from Mid March)

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ACCOMMODATION

For a complete Indian experience we arrange for you to stay with one of wonderful host families. All of our hosts are very welcoming and not only will be made to feel part of the family, you’ll also gain a great insight into Indian culture and customs. Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave India and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family.

You may share a room with up to 2 other volunteers and in most of the houses you'll have an en-suite, Western-style bathroom. Most of the showers in our host accommodation are cold water only – however your hosts will boil water for you on request.

All of our host family houses are close together and just a few minutes’ walk away from internet cafes, banks and snack shops and just a short auto ride into the centre of town.

FOOD:
Breakfast and dinner will be provided and prepared for you by the family and is mainly local fare allowing you to taste a varied selection of delicious south Indian dishes and exotic fruits. You will need to make provision for your own lunch.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Got any questions? Please email us: info@travellersworldwide.com

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR PLACEMENT?
Once you have applied for a placement, we'll contact you and send you our Welcome Pack. You'll also receive Log-on details and password for our Volunteer Extranet where you'll have access to all the documentation and information which we've put together to facilitate preparations for your adventure! Your Project Co-ordinator for your country will liaise with you throughout the arrangements process, as well as while you're on your placement and on your return home.

The documents you'll have access to also include a Country Factfile, Safety Guide and any manuals that may assist you on your particular programme (e.g. Teaching Guide, Sports Manuals, Enrichment Suggestions for Animal Care, etc.). We do all we can to make your stay one that you'll never forget. This is a truly awesome, elegant and beautiful country.

On Arrival, your Introduction to the Country:
When you arrive you will be welcomed by a member of our team who will take you to your accommodation and introduce you to everyone. During your first few days you'll be given an induction so that you can learn about the country and its culture, as well as other useful information, like how to use the transport system, banks, safety issues, tipping, and lots more.

VOLUNTEERING WITH CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS
As well as protecting all our volunteers, Travellers Worldwide is committed to all our projects and dedicated to practices which protect children and vulnerable adults from harm. Read Travellers' Child Care and Vulnerable Adults Policy.

TRAVELLERS' SUPPORT AND BACKUP: Read about the excellent Support & Backup we provide before you leave and during your programme.

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OPTIONAL ADD-ON ACTIVITIES:

Make the most of your time there! To help you do that, we've put together some exciting activities, courses and tours that you can add to your itinerary. These are designed to be fun, but also to enable you to learn, and expand your personal and professional development enjoyment ... but mostly for your enjoyment! :-)

LOCATION | SIGHTSEEING:

INDIA REALLY HAS IT ALL, from the hot sultry deserts of Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal and the majestic Himalayas in the north, to the idyllic palm fringed beaches and ancient temples of the south, plus a multitude of wildlife parks! The way to best enjoy India is to absorb it - the warmth of the people, the beauty, the smells, the food, and the wonderful hospitality!

LOCATION: MADURAI:
Many of our projects are based in the bustling city of Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is known by many names; ‘Jasmine city’ for the famous jasmine flowers that are cultivated here, ‘the city of Nectar’, Legend tells of a river of nectar that flowed after blessing from Lord Shiva, and the ‘Temple City’.

Madurai really does have a temple or shrine on practically every street but it is most famed for the Sri Meenakshi Sundeswarar Temple. Pilgrims and tourists alike flock to visit the temple and approximately 10,000 visit every day! The temple is named after goddess Meenakshi. It was built in the 17th century and is an enormous structure with 5 outer towers crammed full of idols and animals. The inner courtyard contains another 7 towers, again all highly adorned. It will take your breath away.

Madurai is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers till the 14th century. It is full of cultural diversity and life revolves around the awe inspiring Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, awash with pilgrims, market stalls and tourist shops.

Children will stop you on the streets to chat to you and shake your hand and even ask for your autograph! You will be in demand everywhere you go and you’ll feel like a celebrity, such is the warmth of the Indian people. If you’re after an overwhelming experience, then Madurai is a certainty for this!

KERALA:
KERALA has been named ""Gods own Country" by the locals for its stunning scenery, wildlife, beautiful beaches, picture postcard towns and the breaktaking backwaters. It is also the home of Ayurveda medicine, an ancient system using essential oils and vigorous massage to aid medical complaints or just for pampering - a one hour massage is an unforgettably relaxing experience.

Kerala also has one of the best wildlife parks in the country; Periyar. A huge array of activities are on offer, jungle trekking and jeep safari’s which take you off the beaten track in the hope of spotting an elusive tiger although you are more likely to see elephants, boar, monkeys and many species of birds. You can also take an elephant ride, boat ride, visit spice and tea plantations, watch martial arts – it’s an action packed weekend and only 4 hours from Madurai!

TRAVEL:

Read about Travel arrangements and what happens when you arrive in your new country.

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REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK:

TIM ROBERTS
British
Coaching Football at a School in Madurai

Everything about my placement coaching football was fantastic - the friendliness of the people in Madurai, the excellent living conditions in the Travellers house and the wonderful support from the in country supervisors. But most of all, what really made it for me were the school kids I was coaching - all of them such great characters, extremely dedicated and so grateful for the opportunity to be taught more about football.

Can you describe a typical day?
It was 3pm on a stiflingly hot afternoon in Madurai, South India. I arrived at the city's main sports stadium, with a group of fellow Travellers volunteers and staff, ready to set up the inaugural Travellers football tournament. The teams had arrived and the boys were enthusiastically warming up, just like pros.

But where were the goals? Where were the pitches? I thought the groundsmen had been working hard all day to get things ready? The matches started in thirty minutes! "No worries" the groundsmen claimed as they got out their measuring tapes and white powder. It was pointless asking them why they were starting this so late. The tournament wouldhave to be delayed.

So it was a little late in starting, but at least the sun was a little less intense by the time the first whistle was blown. I had seen the boys make great progress in training but how would they look out on the pitch, playing in proper matches with proper pitches? I feared the occasion might get to them and they would return to the "hit and hope" or "swarms of bees" tactics of old.

I was wrong: they did ever so well.

Moving into space, calling for the ball, keeping it simple, one touch passing.....I was really proud to see them looking like football players and working together like football teams. I had feared 0-0's all round but once again I was wrong. The goals flowed freely and excitable cheers could be heard from across the pitches as the boys realised their dreams and found the net. OK, the celebrations were somewhat over the top, but at least they were enjoying themselves.

The group stage came and went and so to the final: "Fusco's B vs SEV A"! A longer matchand then a chance for the players to lift the mighty Travellers Trophy! The best team won and the inevitable celebrations ensued. Medals and trophies were presented and photographs were taken. After a while the boys got on their bikes and set off home: pleased, I hope, with the way they played and motivated, I hope, to keep on improving.

JONATHAN LINES
British
Coaching Football at a School in Madurai

I'm certainly enjoying my time here so far, and I feel I am gaining a lot of confidence from the coaching. I found it amazing how quickly you find yourself becoming like coaches and teachers that taught me when I was a kid.

It's gratifying seeing some of the kids making small improvements everyday, plus seeing others that have genuine ability. I'd say you have to have plenty of energy and enthusiasm because although typically we only coach for 3-4 hours a day, the heat can make it exhausting. Also, it can be easy to become frustrated so you need to have patience and try and stay calm, even when it can be difficult!

Can you describe a typical day?
Typically I am up at 5.30 for the first coaching session at the Racecourse. We usually start at 6.15 and finish at 8. I have some breakfast and then we have another session at 10.30 at TVS school. There we coach 2 different classes from 11-12.15 and 12.30-1.30. When I get back to the house I have lunch, and maybe get some sleep before the final session at Fuscos school from 4-5. However, because at present there are 3 of us on the coaching placement we tend to have a rota whereby we each do 2 of the sessions per day.

CALLUM BUECKHARDT
British
Coaching Football at a School in Madurai

I’ve had a great time in India, been to lots of places. My highlights:
► My 40+ hour train journey from Chennai to Delhi
► Walking into a classroom and people screaming at me like I’m a star
► See very enthusiastic kids at the schools and the friendliness they’ve shown to me
► Going to Rameswaram and seeing everyone slowly get more and more red, then Jack’s skin falling off
► Having a real bond with the PE teachers at the School
► I love Indian food

Conclusion – enjoy your time here and just go with the flow. I love India!

TOM HARRIS
British
Coaching Football at a School in Madurai

We actually created a mini World Cup competition amongst the schools when we were there. We also awarded medals, such as Best Skilled Player, etc.

We also bought a whole kit for our groups because they were such good students. The kids were fantastic and were very sad to see us leave. We just hope that other Travellers volunteers can take up from where we left off.

NEERAV TRIVEDI
British
Coaching Football at a School in Madurai

Having been to India many times before, my impressions of Madurai were met, I expected it to be quite noisy, but was impressed by the amount of local activities available – e.g. the malls were very close by. Madurai is also very congested and very hot, so it was difficult to walk long distances.

The placement was enjoyable. The kids we worked with were enthusiastic and willing to learn. I have developed my communication skills, finally run my own coaching session. This experience will help me in the future. The best thing about the placement so far is the fact that I am able to run my own session and that the children listen to me. This allows me to demonstrate my own skills and see if the work properly.

I would recommend this placement only to somebody that has interest in coaching and is prepared to rough it. The type of person this placement would suit is sporty, people who enjoy travelling etc.

A typical day at school would be taking the school bus into school, which picks us up at 7.30am. We often get to school about 40 minutes later and tend to relax in the PET Room for about 20-30 minutes. Our first session is at about 8.40 - this includes coaching youngsters (around ages 8-9) at football. We are given a skill to teach (e.g. dribbling) and our job is to create a session or a drill that teaches the kids the basics of dribbling. Normally we start at a basic pace with a basic drill, but then after 10 or so minutes, we progress the drill into something a little more complex - this can be the addition of a pass or lengthening the distance required to dribble. Each session lasts around 40 minutes. Up until lunch (1pm) we are working with kids aged no older than 11 or 12.

After lunch, the older kids come and these are around 14 and 15 year olds. This allows to put in place more complex drills and we can provide the kids with more suitable feedback. We end the day at 4.30 and arrive back at home around 5.15pm

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