Sporting Opportunities - www.sportingopportunities.com

"Even though my trip to Ghana was kind of spontanous it was a trip of a lifetime which was mainly because of the people there. Everyone on the street was so friendly, saying hi and start talking to you and the boys I stayed with were also awesome. I lived together with round about 50 boys - most of them football players and 4 of them tennis players - and immediately it felt like one big family. They would share there lunch with me, playing games or singing and dancing together, it felt like home - if not even better. It was also so much fun to work with my tennis boys because they were eager to learn and respected me as a coach, even though they had to get used to the European style of training. Since there was not much to do in the morning I deciced to do teaching in school in the morning which was a good decision as well. Even though I had only 3 weeks in Ghana because of my job here I tried to fill in as much as possible, so my experience was really intense. Now I am home for a few days but I already think of going back again, I want to continue with what I started and I also want to meet my new family again. So if any of you have a chance to go, go for it! But you also have to know that Tennis is not as big in Ghana, most of the kids are mostly into soccer and you would see kids playing football all over the places, but they also do have some nice tennis courts in Ghana - but the equipment is not really good."

Ghana is a bit of a crazy place, which was evident from the off, but certainly loveable and you soon settle into the swing of things. The Sporting Opps team really help you to settle in by showing you around and making sure you are comfortable at your accommodation and during your volunteer project. I was in Ghana to coach rugby to the kids at a local rugby club, which was amazing! My rugby placement was a fantastic experience, working with a cracking group of kids that were so keen to just get stuck in. Although the conditions were not the best (I did sort of expect that so no problem), all the kids just went for it, which made the experience so much fun!

I felt well prepared for a completely different way of life thanks to the helpful Sporting Opportunities team, who talked me through everything and made sure that I had everything ready before my trip.

As well as joining the sports projects, I spent time each morning at the local orphanage, which is something that the Sporting Opportunities team said that I would be able to help with if I wanted to, which I was more than happy to - and I am so glad I did! The centre is amazing, giving local children the much needed education they need to progress in life and into secondary schools.

Ghana is quite simply the the friendliest country I have been to. All of the people were awesome, the Sporting Opportunities team (made up of local Ghanaians and past volunteer coaches) made sure everything was good, and the kids I got to work with during my rugby and orphanage placements, made this one of the most inspiring places I have ever been.

Would recommend a Sporting Opportunities trip to anyone who is keen on sport and travel!