Yes, you will be supported by your project mentor. He or she will introduce you to the project and the team, explain how the project is working so far and what the current training situation looks like.
You will also receive an activity plan, which explains the daily or weekly training programme and shows what activities are planned at what times. The mentor is also your first point of contact if there are any complications in the team or in the host family.
However, as the coach responsible for promoting and strengthening the project in terms of sport, organisation and sustainability, you will be responsible for the actual sports training in some projects. This may include planning, organising and running training sessions during the week. Depending on the project and needs, this may also include organising tournaments and community events or working with other teams.
Your creativity is needed.
This applies both to the training and the process within the project, as well as to dealing with obstacles and sceptics in society who do not see the sustainable future of children and young people in the community as a top priority. In school projects, it is sometimes difficult to gain the support of teachers or other out-of-school carers. There can be many reasons for this. It could be for logistical reasons, ignorance or simply financial reasons.
It is therefore important that you have a hands-on mentality, sufficient self-confidence and good communication skills. However, don’t go it alone. Always discuss your actions and plans with your local mentor. You can achieve a lot together with your project colleagues.
Meet some of the project mentors.