What makes this project special? It’s the chance to make a real impact, fast. We’ve been running this project for over 6 years (started in July 2018), and what started with just 18 kids has now grown to over 140 local kids! We teach values like respect, teamwork, responsibility, discipline, and much more both on and off the field. Many of the kids face challenges at home, at school, and with financial struggles, but through soccer, we show them they can rise above their circumstances. Want to be part of something that matters? Join us and help create the next generation of leaders in our community.
What You’ll Be Doing:
As a volunteer, you’ll be helping set up and pack down training sessions, assisting with drills, and working one-on-one with players who need a little extra support. If you’ve got some coaching experience, you may even get the chance to lead a session yourself. Weekday training is held on a covered synthetic field, and weekend sessions are outdoors and totally optional. When you sign up, we’ll chat with you about what sort of work you’d prefer, so you can fit it around your vibe.
Dive into the beauty of Costa Rica. Picture this... unspoiled beaches, lush jungles, and epic waterfalls right at your doorstep. Adventure is everywhere. Whether you're exploring hidden spots or getting your adrenaline pumping with activities like surfing, zip-lining, paragliding, diving, and more! This is one experience you’ll never forget.
A Day in the Life:
For each training session, you’ll be working alongside our awesome team of certified Costa Rican coaches and hanging out with your hosts, Jason & Sarah. You’ll help set up, assist with drills, pack down after sessions, and work with players who could use a little extra help. If you’ve got experience, you might even get to lead a session every now and then. Most of our weekday sessions are indoors at a local synthetic field, while the weekend ones are outside and optional (because let’s be real, weekends are for exploring, right?). We’re pretty flexible, so if you want to do more or less than what’s on the schedule, just let us know when you sign up
If you'd like the chance to feature on our socials, tag us in your adventure!
@VolunteerWorldwide
Monday: 3:15pm to 6:00pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Friday: 2:30pm to 6:00pm
Saturday: 7:30am to 10:00am
There are also early morning sessions from 6:00am to 7:00am that you’re welcome to assist with.
This can vary depending on the time of year and how many other participants are in the program. Our core staff includes 9 coaches and administrators.
The main language spoken on this project is English, though Spanish is also used. You don’t need to speak Spanish to join, but it’s a fun and rewarding language to learn during your time in Costa Rica.
This project runs year-round.
You’re going to love your new home. Our volunteer house is owned and managed by a wonderful Costa Rican couple, and it’ll quickly feel like your home away from home. It's comfortable, stylish, and surrounded by nature. It’s just minutes from one of the region’s most iconic waterfalls and close to nightlife, supermarkets, medical facilities, pharmacies, restaurants, and of course the fields where the program takes place.
Rooms are private but can be shared if you’re travelling with a friend.
Meals can be prepared in the kitchen or enjoyed out at one of the many local restaurants.
All homes include WiFi and laundry access.
It’s an easy walk between your house and the sports fields. That said, buying or renting a bike can be super handy and make getting around quicker.
Your program includes pick-up from San José International Airport (SJO). The return trip is not included.
Pick-up takes place at 3:00pm at the international arrivals terminal.
If your flight arrives after 1:00pm, we recommend booking a nearby hotel, Airbnb or hostel for your first night, as it may not be possible to meet the day’s pick-up time. We can help you organise this. The following day, our trusted driver will collect you at 3:00pm.
Check out our optional trips and excursions to make the most of your time in Costa Rica. You’re already in a stunning destination, so why not explore a bit more of the country while you're here?
Jason and Sarah, the founders of this project, have spent the last 20 years pouring their heart and soul into helping communities, from Costa Rica to Africa and the Middle East. They believe that true change comes through collaboration and empowerment.
With us, you’re more than welcome to be part of this mission. It’s not just about helping. It’s about making a real, lasting difference for those who need it most. If you join our team, you’ll get the chance to work on meaningful projects that truly change lives. We can’t wait to welcome you and work together for a better future.
For our football and community project, located in a picturesque town in Costa Rica, we’re looking for energetic and dedicated volunteers who are passionate about strengthening the local community through sport and education. This project offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with children and young people, while being part of a team committed to creating a positive future for the next generation of leaders.
This project is ideal for young volunteers aged 17 and up, as well as experienced football or sports coaches.
Passion for Sport and Community Work: A strong interest in sport, especially football, and a genuine desire to help youth develop.
Physical Fitness: You’ll need to be ready to get involved in training sessions and physical activities, both indoors and outdoors.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Open to working in varied conditions, following changing schedules, and living in shared accommodation.
Communication Skills: Able to work well with local coaches, fellow volunteers and kids. Be able to motivate and support them.
Team Spirit: Willing to be part of a close-knit team and contribute positively to the local community.
Minimum Age: 17+
As a volunteer on the Football and Community Project in Costa Rica, you can expect an inspiring and diverse experience. Your daily tasks will include assisting with football training sessions and organising educational and community-based activities for local kids. You'll help set up and pack down sessions, support the drills, and occasionally work one-on-one with kids who need a bit of extra help.
Your working hours will vary, with a mix of morning, afternoon and sometimes early sessions. This allows you to get involved in all aspects of the project and truly contribute to the growth of the youth in the community. You’ll be supported by experienced coaches and staff throughout your placement, ensuring you’re well prepared and constantly learning.
You’ll stay in a friendly volunteer house run by a warm Costa Rican couple. You’ll share your accommodation with other volunteers, the perfect way to make new mates and collaborate with like-minded people from around the world. In your downtime, you can soak up Costa Rica’s amazing natural beauty and culture, from jaw-dropping waterfalls to lively nightlife.
This project not only lets you make a real, lasting impact in the community, it also offers a powerful opportunity for personal and professional development. You’ll gain experience in sports coaching and community work, explore cultural diversity, and strengthen skills like teamwork, communication and leadership.
If you’ve got a passion for sport and love working with young people and you’re ready to help create a lasting positive impact, this project in Costa Rica is made for you. Together, we can build a better future for this community and the youth who grow up here.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
1 week of volunteering: $1085
2 weeks of volunteering: $1725
3 weeks of volunteering: $2150
Each additional week: $460
*All prices are in AUD.
Before Departure
Online introductory chat
Information pack with details about Costa Rican culture and customs, plus everything you need to prepare. Including advice on insurance, money matters and travel tips
Pre-departure training
Help with applying for a police check (VOG)
Access to our online community
Support with booking your flight (if requested)
During Your Trip
Airport pickup and transfer to the project
Return transfer from the project to the airport
Local welcome and orientation
Ongoing support throughout your stay
Accommodation in a hostel or hotel
After You Return
Debrief and evaluation
Certificate (available on request)
The chance to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Memories to last a lifetime!
Flights
Meals
Vaccinations
Visa
Police check (VOG)
Travel insurance
Welkom op onze website! Mocht je iets niet kunnen vinden of wil je ons iets vragen stuur dan even een berichtje via WhatsApp. We helpen je gelijk verder!
