Rugby Coaching and Playing Project in St Lucia, Castries

Americas, Caribbean Islands | Saint Lucia | Social Impact, Special Interest Holidays, Sports | Solo Travel

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Tour ID:121339

Ages:18 - 80

People on trip:10

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Arrival:Hewannora International Airport (airport code UVF)

Prices are Per Person

Coach and play rugby as a volunteer rugby coach in the paradise island of St Lucia. Work alongside the national team to develop the game at the grass routes level, giving disadvantaged kids the chance to progress in this fast growing sport in the Caribbean.

Castries, Saint Lucia

: Please note it is possible to come for more than a 2 week trip and most will come between a 4 and 8 week duration.

Rugby in St Lucia
Rugby was brought to St Lucia in the early 1970’s and has had many ups and downs since. Rugby is a global sport, and the Caribbean has yet to make an impact on the world stage. Guyana have had some success in the 7’s circuit though, and we hope St Lucia with soon follow suit.

As a rugby coach you will work with the National St Lucian team, as well as coaching the children in our youth groups to build the game up at a grass roots level with the main emphasis being on participation and fun.

Your Rugby Coaching Volunteer Placement
The rugby coaching placement is ideal for anyone looking to pursue a career in sport, teaching or childcare. The placement is suitable for players and coaches of all experience, qualifications and abilities. Specific rugby aims and needs can be catered to; whether you are looking to gain international playing or coaching experience or just want to fulfil a sense of achievement from working with enthusiastic children. You will be working alongside the St Lucian RFU and the St. Lucia Referee Society. This platform will see you working closely with very experienced players, coaches, physiotherapists and match officials.

Your Rugby Coaching Role
You will have the chance to coach at a variety of different levels depending on experience and personal preference. The work with the youth groups places an emphasis on fun and interactive participation, looking to develop skills through games and activities rather than ridged drills. You have the option to be in charge of sessions, or work on specific games and activities depending on your confidence. This is also a great sporting opportunity to ‘talent-spot’ for future national players and our school of excellence.

In addition, you can also work with the National rugby teams, both male and female, to develop and improve their drills and IRB ranking. You will have the opportunity to look at aspects, such as gym routines and offer nutritional advice. You’ll also have the option to run whole sessions or work on specific drills and skill depending on what you believe is appropriate at the time! If the team is competing in a tournament during your trip you will be given the chance to go on tour, culminating in a Caribbean style after party… something not to be missed!

Summer Camps
Summer camps in St Lucia run throughout July and August, and are run in conjunction with sports charity Sacred Sports. These camps attract over 300 children across the island and are free for children aged 5 – 18yrs, offering a range of different sports. The aim is to get children off the streets and doing something positive with their long holidays off school. Volunteer sports coaches are required for cricket, football, netball and rugby.

Gap Year and Career Break Rugby in St Lucia
Your gap year in St Lucia gives you the opportunity to coach and play rugby in paradise! You will the chance to meet amazing rugby loving people and enjoy the sights, sounds and serenity of the Caribbean, leading to a truly memorable gap year, career break of volunteer holiday experience.
: From the below arrival dates please choose a trip with a range that means you are with us for an even amount of weeks. This helps us manage airport transfers and also helps with the management of the projects. For example, you could come for a 6 or 8 week trip but not a 5 or 7 week trip.

Start Dates 2023
10th Feb – 2 to 28 weeks
24th Feb – 2 to 26 weeks
10th Mar – 2 to 24 weeks
24th Mar – 2 to 22 weeks
7th Apr – 2 to 20 weeks
21st Apr – 2 to 18 weeks
5th May – 2 to 16 weeks
19th May – 2 to 14 weeks
2nd Jun – 2 to 12 weeks
16th Jun – 2 to 10 weeks
30th Jun – 2 to 8 weeks
14th Jul – 4 to 6 weeks
28th Jul – 4 weeks
11th Aug – 2 weeks

Start Dates 2024
2nd Feb – 2 to 30 weeks
16th Feb – 2 to 28 weeks
1st Mar – 2 to 26 weeks
15th Mar – 2 to 24 weeks
29th Mar – 2 to 22 weeks
12th Apr – 2 to 20 weeks
26th Apr – 2 to 18 weeks
10th May – 2 to 16 weeks
24th May – 2 to 14 weeks
7th Jun – 2 to 12 weeks
21st Jun – 2 to 10 weeks
5th Jul – 4 to 8 weeks
19th Jul – 4 to 6 weeks
2nd Aug – 4 weeks
16th Aug – 2 weeks

Note 1: Dates are subject to change.

Note 2: It is important that you arrive on published arrival dates to help with operational management and induction. In St Lucia this tends to be a Friday. There maybe an additional fee if you still require airport collection outside our normal times. Approx. GBP £60 each way for up to 4 passengers.

Visa
British Nationals will not require a visa to enter St Lucia for up to 90 days. If you are travelling over 42 days (6 weeks) then you will have to provide travel details on arrival, to clear customs. All the details of the process will be explained once you have booked your trip.

For visits longer than 90 days we will arrange extensions for you.
: Equipment Donation for St Lucia
We are dedicated to sustainable development. This is why part of the fee you pay goes towards buying decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in St Lucia. You will often use this equipment during your project and it is always left with the community when you leave. In some cases, an equipment donation may not be appropriate so a financial contribution is made instead.

Social Life in St Lucia
While you are volunteering abroad to make a difference it is still important to enjoy yourself and unwind. St Lucia boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, white sands and blue seas! We will often spend the days on the beach before training, and will organise events such as bbq’s or beach games. There are also a number of bars and clubs off the main beach. Then there is the weekly street party in Gros Islet where the roads are closed, speakers are rolled out and people party under the stars.

Travel and Adventure in St Lucia
With this project you get an excursion to world famous Marigot Bay, home to the set of the Dr Doolitttle film. Included is your return transport and water taxis across the bay. You can relax on a private beach or take a short rainforest walk, or get a drink in some of the best bars and restaurants on the Island.

You will be encouraged to explore St Lucia during your free time so you can sample some of its breath-taking sights and meet some of the Caribbean’s friendliest people. The capital, Castries, is home to numerous markets selling a wonder of goods and comes alive when the cruise ships dock. For bars and clubs we recommend Rodney Bay, the home of the vast majority of the hotels. This is also home to the main shopping mall. There are also the famous Piton Mountains which are located in the south of the island and are well worth a visit. You can also climb them if you are feeling ambitious. There is also the Sulphur Springs the ‘World’s only drive in volcano’! The springs are formed from water running through a volcano, which heats the water while the sulphur turns the water black. You can bathe in the water, which is reputed to make you live forever. St Lucia is home to many rainforests which can be explored in a number of ways such as on bikes, quad bikes and zip lining!

Accommodation
A large dorm-style guest house with plenty of space. The house contains seven air-conditioned bedrooms, shared ensuite bathrooms between every two rooms, the large communal area has a flat screen TV with firestick, Netflix, Prime and Disney channels for use in downtime.

The kitchen area is equipped with all required utensils and is suitable for multiple people cooking at once. The majority of in-house social activity takes place either in the communal area, the vast recreational space within the compound and the balcony that looks over it.

View our accommodation album.
: Arrival Pick-Up
We will arrange transport from the airport on arrival in St Lucia so long as it falls on the start date. Any arrival times outside this will incur an additional charge.

Accommodation
Accommodation is based in a shared house with dorm-style rooms and all bed linen is provided. The accommodation is a large open plan guest house, only a few minutes walk from the beach, making it the perfect base for a Caribbean adventure! There’s a large kitchen, sitting room and WIFI is available. Each bedroom has a shower and toilet and there are also laundry facilities.

Food
Breakfast is included on a help yourself basis. Lunch and dinner can be prepared in groups or individually as there is a supermarket close by.

Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Donation
Part of your fee maybe used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. We also encourage you to bring any extra equipment that you are happy to give away but this will need to fall within your personal weight allowance with the airline you travel with.
: Flights; Lunch or dinner, Travel insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In-country personal travel; Soft drinks and alcohol; Extra activities not on itinerary.
: You will be provided with further details on where to meet on your arrival.
: Preferred Duration
This is a 2 to 12 week trip but we’d prefer you to come for as long as possible to make the most out of the project and the relationships you will build. You can also come for longer and we’ll consider discounts for the commitment shown.

Typical Hours
Weekdays – Sessions will take place after school between 2:00pm – 4:30pm (subject to the school). Saturdays – Sessions will take place in the morning from 10:00am – 12:00pm. You are free to travel and explore the island during the days, or just spend it on one of the great golden sand beaches. There is also a street party in Gros Islet every Friday.

Pre-requisites
No prior coaching experience or qualifications are required, but a basic understanding of the game and/or playing experience is necessary. You also need to be healthy and of reasonable fitness.

Ideal For
Gap year students, sports science degree students, post-graduates, aspiring coaches, career breakers, summer holidays, professional rugby coaches and any rugby players. Individuals and rugby tour groups.
: Suitable for ages 18 to 80
: What rugby kit should I bring?

Bring astros and boots as you’ll play on mixed terrain. We have links with top clubs so you’ll be able to train at a high level and keep up with your fitness.

Can I bring rugby equipment as a donation to the community?

We would love you to do this and balls, bibs, cones and any old kit will go a long way. However, make sure you can fit this in your airline flight allowance or even call up the airline and ask them if you could have some extra weight for charitable purposes. It’s important that if the airline grant you this that a note is make against the booking so there is no awkwardness when checking in at the airport.
: What is the minimum age restriction?

You need to be 18 or over at the time you arrive in St Lucia. Those on an internship are usually 20 or older since needing some relevant experience to participant in the programme.

Are meals included in this trip?

Breakfast is included in your project price. This typically consists of cereal, toast, eggs and local fruits. There is sufficient storage in the kitchen to store your own food. Some people like to cook independently, others in a group and this is usually worked out once you are in-country and have settled with the group.

What accommodation is provided?

All accommodation is based in a shared house with dorm-style rooms with air conditioning. The accommodation is a large open plan guest house, only a few minutes walk from the beach, making it the perfect base for a Caribbean adventure!

The house has all the required facilities including a fully equipped kitchen, large balcony for dining and socialising and living room with TV and WiFi. There are shower and toilet facilities per every two bedrooms and an additional toilet in the communal area.

Are there laundry facilities available at the accommodation?

Yes, there is a washing machine and ironing board in the house and a weekly laundry service is included.

Can I book a private room?

This is completely dependent on availability at the time as there are only 7 rooms in the house. There is usually an additional charge of GBP £135 per week for this. Contact us to check availability for when you would like to come.

Where can I store valuables at the accommodation?

There is no safe in the house but each bedroom can be locked from the outside. We advise you lock any valuables in your suitcase. Coordinators live on the property which means that any problems that arise can be dealt with immediately. Staff are on site throughout the day and security is on the gate during the night so chances of theft is limited.

What amenities are nearby?

The accommodation is located on one of the main roads in Castries so there will always be buses to take you to the main city, local attractions or bars and clubs at the Rodney Bay strip. There are two of the island’s best beaches just a few minutes walk from the house, as well as a supermarket for all guest needs.

How many hours a day will I be on the project?

Weekdays – sessions will normally take place after school between 14:00 – 19:00 (subject to the school and programme).
Saturdays – sessions will take place in the morning from 10:00 – 12:00. You are welcome to travel and explore the island during the days, or just spend it on one of the great golden sandy beaches.

Excursions usually take place on Friday and Sunday; there is also a street party in Gros Islet every Friday.

Will I run the class or assist in the teaching/coaching activities?

This depends on your confidence, experience and the availability of local support. The in-country team will work around your comfort and ability and provide training where required.

What experience do I need?

We do not require you to have any particular coaching/teaching badges or qualifications, just an understanding of the game and a passion to help out on the project! You will receive a coaching manual on arriving in St Lucia and will be working alongside experienced coaches who will always be on hand to advise you and support your sessions. Those on internships with us will usually come with a bit more experience and focus on what it is they are wanting to achieve whilst away.

What support will I receive in country?

You will receive a wide range of support whilst in country, including a full time in country project coordinator, and local coaches at the project site.

What can I do in my free time?

There’s loads to keep you busy in your free time in St Lucia and our in-country coordinators will be on hand to point you in the right direction and book extra excursions for you. These activities include a Rain Forest Adventures Aerial Tram, botanical gardens, sulphur springs, paint-balling and zip lining. (please note these are an additional cost and not included in your trip price).

When can I arrive?

You need to arrive at Hewanorra airport on an allotted project start date where you will be met by one of our friendly in country team and taken to the accommodation to settle in. This is always on a Friday. If you arrive after the start date you can either make your own way to the accommodation or arrange collection with us but there will be an additional charge for this.

When should I book my departure?

Your return flight should be booked on the project end date, a Friday. Transport back to the airport is included in the project price.

Is transport included?

Transport to and from the project is included in the project price. Transport for extra excursions can also be arranged with the in country team for an additional cost.

Will I need a visa?

Citizens for a large list of countries, including the UK do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. Please get in contact if you are unsure whether you require a visa or not. You will also be given contact details and address of where you will be staying when you book as you may need these for your immigration card on arrival.

Will I need vaccinations?

There are no specific vaccinations required to enter St Lucia. However, we strongly recommend you visit a travel nurse before a trip in case boosters are required.

What is the climate like in St Lucia?

Being a Caribbean Island you can expect a lot of hot and humid weather throughout the year. As a tropical island, weather can be unpredictable and brief showers are fairly common. Due to its situation on the equator, St Lucia does not have well defined seasons. There is, however a rainy season which generally falls between June and November but these don’t tend to effect our work too much.

Can I bring donations to my project?

Yes, all donations are greatly appreciated. However, we will not assist in the transport of donations to St. Lucia so you will have to make sure to check luggage allowance before travelling. Some airlines will offer an extra bag for this but contact must be made with the airline against the booking prior to your flight to avoid problems when checking in bags at the airport.

Can I play sport whilst in St Lucia?

We have great contacts with a number of local clubs and teams, so you will have opportunities to play and train if you want.

What access to gyms are there?

There’s a wide variety of gyms available on the island and close to our accommodation, all with short term memberships available.

We tend to use Vel’s Fitness Centre which is the closest and one of the most affordable. It’s basic but has everything including cardio machines, weight machines and free weights.

There are lots of alternative options available, and local to us such as:

1) BFiT758 – CrossFit & Functional Training gym with a wide range of group sessions, personal training, and open gym times.

2) Harbor Club St. Lucia, Curio Collection by Hilton is a high end modern gym, with all the latest equipment.

There’s plenty others too so it shouldn’t be difficult to find somewhere to fit your goals and budget.

Prices are Per Person

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"I would never have thought about going to St Lucia on a sports gap year but I am glad I did. The kids were just amazing and had real passion for the game. I really felt I contributed massively to the development of these young players and I look forward to booking my next trip back to see how they have progressed."

Joe Page

"I have been playing rugby for a number of years through school and university and this experience was a perfect way of sharing my knowledge with a great bunch of young people. The kids really took to the game and working alongside the National Rugby Team is another experience I will never forget. Thanks to everyone involved in organising this fantastic sporting opportunity."

Paul Adams