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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to volunteer in Costa Rica? Our Travel Roots sports coaching program is the project to inspire young athletes and build confidence through sports.
Step into a leadership role where passion meets purpose—help local children in coastal Costa Rica develop skills, confidence, and a love for movement through sport. Whether you're a seasoned coach, a physical education student, or just someone who loves being active, this program offers the chance to make a lasting impact through play.
You'll be working with children from underserved communities who are eager to learn, practice, and grow through structured physical activity. From football to fitness games, your role is to guide, encourage, and bring energy—no professional coaching certification required, just commitment and a love for sport.
Set in the quiet beach town of Matapalo, you’ll be surrounded by palm trees, ocean air, and endless opportunities for cultural exchange.
The local kids are full of spirit and curiosity, and your sessions will quickly become the highlight of their week.
You’ll receive guidance and support from experienced program leaders to help you deliver safe, inclusive, and engaging sports sessions tailored to the group’s needs and interests.
Key Activities:
Lead sports training, fitness sessions, and team games for kids aged 6–14
Plan creative, age-appropriate activities that promote teamwork, health, and fun
Encourage positive attitudes, discipline, and personal growth through sport
Support local community events, school PE programs, or weekend matches
Adapt to different skill levels and celebrate small wins daily
This is a chance to turn your passion into purpose—while exploring one of the most naturally beautiful corners of Central America.
By volunteering on our Kids Sports Coaching program in Costa Rica, you will:
Empower local children through structured sports and physical activity
Build real-world coaching, leadership, and communication skills
Create fun, healthy routines that boost confidence and teamwork
Experience the pura vida lifestyle while connecting with the local community
Explore Costa Rica’s stunning natural playground—jungles, surf breaks, waterfalls, and beyond
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Kids Sports Coach
Every day is active, rewarding, and filled with movement—whether you’re leading warm-ups on the beach or refereeing a spirited football match under the jungle canopy. You’ll balance structured coaching with free play and community connection.
7:30 AM – Breakfast
Start your day with a fresh, healthy breakfast at the volunteer lodge.8:00 AM – Session Planning
Prepare drills, games, and warm-ups based on the age and needs of the group.9:00 AM – Morning Sports Practice
Lead training sessions or physical education classes for local children—football, relay races, fitness challenges, and more.11:00 AM – Free Time or Admin Tasks
Take a break or help organise gear, clean up equipment, or assist with lesson materials.12:30 PM – Lunch
Recharge with a delicious plant-based meal, shared with fellow volunteers.2:00 PM – After-School Club or Community Activities
Facilitate games or mini-tournaments as part of our kids’ after-school programming.4:00 PM – Beach Time
Cool off with a swim, play a casual beach match, or relax as the sun begins to set.6:30 PM – Dinner & Chill
Unwind with dinner and connect with your team over music, conversation, or a fireside game night.Days Off
Enjoy two days per week to explore the region—surf in Dominical, hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls, or visit nearby wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.Your Impact as a Volunteer
Choosing to volunteer with Travel Roots is more than just an adventure—it’s a powerful act of compassion that directly changes lives and stems a positive impact on the planet.
Sport is more than just a game—it’s a powerful tool for growth, confidence, and connection. As a volunteer sports coach, you’ll be creating space for children to move, play, and thrive in a safe, structured environment.
Many kids in this region have limited access to organised sports or mentorship. Your presence brings not only fitness and fun, but also encouragement, consistency, and the chance to learn important life skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Whether you're introducing a new sport or leading a warm-up drill, you’re helping shape healthier habits and stronger mindsets that can stay with these children for life. Your impact also extends to the wider community—supporting local staff, inspiring families, and showing young people that their passions matter.
And in return? You’ll walk away stronger too—physically, mentally, and with memories of high-fives, goal celebrations, and moments that truly mattered.
Your Home in Matapalo
Settle into a peaceful lodge nestled between the beach and the jungle—your home base in Matapalo, a coastal town that feels like a step back in time. With unspoiled beaches, laid-back charm, and tropical gardens all around, this is the perfect place to recharge after a rewarding day of teaching.
Our volunteer rooms are designed for comfort and simplicity, blending naturally with the surroundings while offering everything you need for a restful stay.
What’s Included:
Comfortable rooms with double, twin, or bunk beds
Private bathroom in every room
Air conditioning and fans to keep cool
Fresh linens and towels provided
Evenings are spent catching blazing sunsets, relaxing with fellow volunteers, or gathering around a beach bonfire as the moon rises over the ocean. Life here is calm, connected, and close to nature.
Bring light summer clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimwear, and a flashlight or headlamp—this is tropical living, pure and simple.
Meals & Nutrition
You’ll be served three delicious, healthy meals a day, made with locally sourced ingredients. Our kitchen is known for variety, freshness, and flexibility—we cater to all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Sample Menu:
Breakfast: Fresh fruit, toast or cereal, eggs, cheese
Lunch: Chicken or eggplant sandwich with local veggies
Dinner: Pasta salad with ham or garlic mushroomsYou’ll also have access to fruit, tea, coffee, and drinking water throughout the day.
Internet Access
Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer lodge, with good access for planning lessons, connecting with loved ones, or sharing your experience online.
History
This project is hosted by one of the most dynamic grassroots initiatives on Costa Ricas Pacific coast. The team was born from local passion and international support, aiming to bring sustainability into daily lifenot just for tourists, but for the community that calls Matapalo home.
By combining ecological goals with long-term social change, they've launched reforestation zones, organic gardens, and community education that truly lasts. The organisation is known for welcoming volunteers as family and giving them tools to contribute in lasting ways.
Mission & Vision
Their mission is simple: to regenerate ecosystems while uplifting communities through shared action, environmental education, and sustainable practices. The long-term vision is a self-sustaining, resilient village where nature thrives and every resident feels
proud to call it home.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fees
Duration Fee (EUR)
1 week €421
2 weeks €843
3 weeks €1,264
4 weeks €1,662
5 weeks €2,083
6 weeks €2,505
7 weeks €2,926
8 weeks €3,324
Payment Terms
Fees are due 30 days before your start date.
If applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is due within 48 hours of confirmation.
Whats Included
✅ Comfortable eco-lodge shared accommodation
✅ 3 plant-based meals daily
✅ Airport pick-up & drop-off
✅ Full orientation & cultural introduction
✅ Daily hands-on conservation & community projects
✅ Waterfall Tour
✅ Surf board rental & surf school
✅ Flexible start dates and free date changes
✅ Expert guidance and training from experienced field professionals.
✅ Welcome pack with all the essential and helpful information
✅ Certificate of completion at the end of your placement
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ And so much more...
Your Investment in Youth, Movement & Yourself
Volunteering on our Kids Sports Coaching program isn’t just about physical activity—it’s about inspiring young minds, building confidence, and becoming part of a community that thrives on connection and care.
Whether you're an aspiring coach or just someone who loves sport, this is a chance to turn energy into impact—and have the adventure of a lifetime while doing it.
Your program fees help directly support:
Free youth sports sessions and after-school activities
Equipment, maintenance, and safe training spaces
Training, wages, and long-term support for local Costa Rican staff
Community-wide wellness initiatives and health education
A program that celebrates movement, inclusion, and positive role models
By joining us, you're investing in the health and happiness of a new generation—and in your own journey of growth, purpose, and adventure.
Where You’ll Be – The Lush Coastal Haven of Matapalo
Tucked along the untouched Pacific coast of southern Costa Rica, Matapalo is a tiny beachside village where the jungle meets the sea, and nature sets the rhythm of the day. With howler monkeys in the trees and sunsets that paint the sky in orange, this is a place that feels both grounded and magical.
Your volunteer base is nestled just steps from the black-sand beach and surrounded by dense tropical forest—one of the most biologically rich environments in the world. The lodge is simple, welcoming, and perfectly placed for early morning beach walks, wildlife spotting, or winding down after a rewarding day of hands-on work.
Although peaceful and remote, Matapalo is just a short drive from the lively surf town of Dominical and within reach of waterfalls, national parks, and local markets. Whether you want adventure, reflection, or connection—you’ll find it here.
Costa Rica – A Beacon of Biodiversity and Balance
Costa Rica is globally renowned for its commitment to conservation, peace, and sustainable living. Though small in size, it holds more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity—making it one of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth.
This is a country that actively protects over a quarter of its land, with national parks, marine reserves, and rewilding zones inviting you to explore and learn. As a volunteer, you’re not just visiting—you’re contributing to the very systems that keep this paradise thriving.
But Costa Rica’s heart lies in its people. Warm, community-oriented, and deeply connected to nature, the Tico way of life is simple, kind, and refreshingly real. Expect friendly smiles, delicious plant-based meals, and cultural richness that flows through everything—from music to storytelling, from farming to fiestas.
The climate is tropical and inviting year-round. Think sun-soaked mornings, the occasional afternoon downpour to keep things green, and cooler evenings filled with the sounds of frogs, waves, and forest creatures.
Whether you come for the wildlife, the people, the mission—or all three—you’ll find Costa Rica gets under your skin in all the best ways.
Your downtime in Matapalo is an adventure in itself—explore the best of Costa Rica’s coast and jungle, all within easy reach.
Surfing in Dominical – 15 mins away
Catch waves at one of Costa Rica’s top surf spots, perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Nauyaca Waterfalls – 40 mins away
Hike through rainforest trails to reach dramatic twin waterfalls with natural pools for swimming.
Marino Ballena National Park – 30 mins away
Discover beaches, rainforest trails, and the famous Whale’s Tail sandbar, with regular wildlife sightings.
Kayaking at Hacienda Barú – 20 mins away
Paddle through serene mangrove ecosystems while spotting birds, monkeys, and reptiles.
Playa Ventanas Snorkelling – 35 mins away
Explore sea caves and tide pools at this quiet beach known for its unique rock formations.
Cooking & Spanish in Uvita – 25 mins away
Join a local cooking class or brush up on your Spanish with fun, interactive lessons.
Manuel Antonio National Park – 1 hour away
Spend the day hiking lush jungle paths and relaxing on postcard-worthy beaches.
Bonfires & Cultural Nights – Onsite
Evenings bring beach bonfires, music, and connection under Matapalo’s star-filled skies.
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