Africa | Ghana | Volunteer Sports Coaching | Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Sports Management Internship

Volunteering in Ghana: My Unforgettable Journey with UTS

Hi I’m Andy, from Canada, and this is my story of volunteering in Ghana with United Through Sport (UTS).

Spending a month in Ghana with UTS was an experience I will never forget. From coaching basketball to exploring breathtaking landscapes, every moment was filled with adventure, learning, and personal growth.

First Impressions

Arriving in Ghana, I was immediately struck by how different it was from home. The heat was intense, and the pace of life was much slower than what I was used to. But beyond that, I was excited—excited to explore, to experience a new culture, and to immerse myself in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Reconnecting with Basketball Through Volunteering

I had lost touch with basketball over the years, and volunteering with United Through Sport gave me the perfect chance to reconnect with the game I loved. Coaching young athletes in Teshi was both rewarding and challenging. It was an opportunity to pass on my knowledge while learning how to adapt training sessions with limited resources.

The Social Experience

One of the best parts of the experience was the people I met. While I was a little older (27) than the rest of the volunteers, we all got along really well. The locals were also incredibly welcoming, making it easy to feel at home. However, I was the only basketball coach in Teshi, and at times, I wished I had a team of fellow basketball coaches to share the experience with.

Exploring Ghana

Outside of coaching, I made the most of my weekends by traveling. I visited Cape Coast, with its historic castles and beautiful beaches, and the stunning Volta Region, where I hiked to Wli Agmatsa Waterfalls—the tallest waterfall in West Africa. Exploring these places deepened my appreciation for the country and its rich culture.

Overcoming Challenges

Being in a completely unfamiliar environment for a month was a challenge in itself. The heat, the different lifestyle, and adjusting to a new routine took some getting used to. However, every challenge was an opportunity to grow, and by the end of my trip, I found myself more adaptable, patient, and appreciative of different ways of life.

What I Learned

Coaching in Ghana taught me a lot—about basketball, about the community, and about myself. I learned how to be creative with limited resources and how to structure training sessions in a way that maximized engagement. More importantly, I rediscovered my passion for coaching and know that it’s something I want to continue doing in the future.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering volunteering abroad, my advice is simple: stay open-minded and come prepared. The experience will challenge you in ways you might not expect, but it will also reward you with unforgettable memories, personal growth, and meaningful connections.

What will I miss the most? The people. The warmth and kindness I experienced in Ghana made this journey truly special, and I know it won’t be my last adventure with United Through Sport.

Step out of your comfort zone, and you just might find a new passion waiting for you!

Explore Other Coaching Programs

If you’re interested in more than just basketball, United Through Sport offers a variety of coaching programmes tailored to different sports. Whether you’re passionate about football, boxing, or netball, there’s something for every volunteer to dive into. Each programme provides an opportunity to work with local athletes, develop your coaching skills, and experience life in an exciting new environment.

For football enthusiasts, coaching programs focus on enhancing players’ skills while building teamwork and leadership on and off the field. Similarly, the boxing programme not only helps coaches share the fundamentals of the sport but also supports local communities by promoting discipline and resilience through fitness.

Whatever your sport of choice, these programmes offer a unique way to make a meaningful impact while discovering new cultures and growing as both a coach and individual. If you’re considering a new coaching adventure, United Through Sport has a programme waiting for you!