ABOUT CURAÇAO

Curaçao is an island located in the southern Caribbean Sea, and it is one of the islands that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, colorful architecture, rich culture and warm hospitality.
 
In the lively streets of Willemstad, the colorful capital, the buildings in pastel colors dance like cheerful paintings against the sky. The architecture bears the traces of a history steeped in European, African and Native American influences. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to the coast, where colonial forts rise as witnesses of bygone eras.

In addition to its idyllic beauty, Curaçao also faces socio-economic challenges, including poverty. Poverty on Curaçao has various causes and manifests itself in various ways. A significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line and has limited resources and opportunities to provide for their basic needs.
(Sports) education and skills also play a role in poverty on Curaçao. That is why we try to offer sports to the children and young people of this island on a structural basis with our sports programs. These sports activities are linked to educational lessons. We call them: Life skills. With these activities, they learn basic skills and make contact with our role models who have the same background as these young people. The lines of communication on the island are short, so if someone excels in one of our programs, there is quickly a link with the national team.

Sports in Curacao

What may surprise many people is that baseball is the most popular sport in Curacao. The island has a strong baseball tradition and has produced many talented players who have achieved international success. Close behind is soccer, the second most popular sport in the country. The Curacao national soccer team has performed well in regional competitions in recent years, such as the Caribbean Cup. Local soccer clubs also have a strong following and there are several soccer fields and facilities on the island. Other sports that are still practiced in Curacao include: hockey, windsurfing, diving, sailing and cycling..

Sign Up

Athletics Coach in Curaçao

Athletics may not yet be one of the most traditional sports in Curaçao, but it’s steadily gaining popularity. This rise is partly thanks to top athletes with Curaçaoan roots who, although competing for the Netherlands, inspire young people across the island. Their example creates a unique opportunity to further develop this versatile sport locally.

Driven by passionate locals and international partnerships, interest in athletics is growing among the youth. A great example is the athletics program co-developed by former intern Keanu Babolina. His dedication laid a solid foundation for a sustainable sports initiative that is now firmly embedded in our organization.

Training sessions and small competitions are held regularly on local fields. These events bring not only fun and excitement, but also strengthen social bonds in the community. Especially for children and teenagers from underprivileged neighborhoods, this accessible form of sport offers guidance, structure, and positive role models.

Schools and youth organizations also play a key role in expanding athletics across the island. In cooperation with local clubs, we create a safe and inspiring environment where young people can develop their motor skills, discipline, and self-confidence.

Just like with other sports in Curaçao, the focus in athletics isn’t just on performance. It’s about joy, inclusion, and personal growth. Volunteers and trainers are essential in shaping this supportive environment, ensuring that everyone feels welcome, regardless of experience or skill level.

While athletics isn’t yet widespread in the Caribbean, Curaçao is proving that with passion, dedication, and collaboration, you can build a strong and vibrant sports community.

What will you do as a volunteer?

You don’t need formal coaching qualifications to take part in this project. You’ll be working alongside experienced local coaches, coordinators, and clubs who are deeply familiar with sports development on the island.

You’ll have the opportunity to lead training sessions or assist with various disciplines, like sprints, long jump, or relay races, depending on your experience and confidence. The focus is on engagement, movement, and fun: through playful exercises, children learn key athletic skills.

You’ll mostly work with children and teens from low-income communities. Your role is to help them build positive experiences with sport, boosting their physical health while also nurturing resilience, teamwork, and personal development.

Rugby Coach

Rugby may not be the most traditional sport on Curaçao, but the island certainly has a growing rugby community that is passionate about this intense sport. Rugby has gained popularity in recent years and has carved out a place for itself among the more traditional Caribbean sports.
Local clubs and teams have been active in the development of rugby on Curaçao. The sport is often played on local sports fields and regular matches and tournaments are organized. These events not only bring together local players, but also attract international teams, creating a dynamic and diverse atmosphere.
Schools and youth programs play a vital role in promoting rugby on Curaçao. By making the sport accessible to young people, local rugby organizations can pass on the love of the sport to the next generation.
The rugby community on Curaçao also benefits from the island’s international connections. Tournaments and exchange programs offer players the opportunity to improve their skills and compete with teams from all over the world.
As in many other parts of the world, rugby in Curaçao brings not only competitive sporting action but also a sense of community and camaraderie. Players, fans and stakeholders share a passion for the sport and contribute to its growing popularity on the island.
While rugby may not be the most obvious sport in the Caribbean, Curaçao shows that passion and dedication can transcend sports and create a vibrant rugby culture that both local and international players can enjoy.
As a rugby coach, you will work with the Curaçao National Team and train children from disadvantaged neighborhoods. The emphasis is on participation and fun. In this way, the children and youth are given the opportunity to progress in this fast-growing sport in the Caribbean.

Your Role

In the rugby project, it is not necessary to have certificates or to have followed one (sport) study. You work together with the Rugby Federation Curaçao. This organization ensures that you work intensively with very experienced players, trainers and match officials who can guide you well.
Volunteers are given the opportunity to provide training at different levels. This depends on your experience and personal preference. The work with the youth emphasizes fun and interactive participation. In this, they try to develop skills through games and activities. You have the opportunity to take charge of sessions or participate in specific activities, depending on your self-confidence. This is also a great sporting opportunity to be a ‘talent spotter’ for future national players.
In addition, you can also work together with the national rugby teams, both male and female, to develop and improve exercises and IRB ranking.

Valerie in Saint Lucia

Football Coach

Football is deeply rooted in the hearts of people all over the world, and Curacao is no exception. The island has a thriving football culture with enthusiastic players, passionate fans and vibrant communities that come together around the game.
With the football project on Curacao you help to develop the basics of football on the island. You train children and young people in the most deprived neighborhoods and at schools. Many participants come from poverty, which also brings problems with it. Thanks to the football project we give the young people a foothold to stay away from drugs, crime and the prevailing ‘gang’ culture. In addition, you work closely with popular football clubs on the island and help the local players prepare for competition matches.
Football is becoming increasingly popular on Curacao and is played by both men and women. There are a number of competitions such as the male divisions one & two, a female national competition, local competitions and various youth competitions.

Your Role

As a volunteer, you will be part of our coaching staff on Curacao. You will experience what it is like to work with the most important sports organizations on the island. The focus is on training young football players and developing the sport. You do this by providing after-school football training to children and young adults. As a football coach, you will work with local coaches and other volunteers to lead training sessions. Because football is a relatively established sport on Curacao, many of the children you work with will have a natural talent for the game. However, their understanding of the rules, tactics and strategy will be largely underdeveloped. It is your job to teach this new generation of football players the rules, give them tactical insight into the game and develop their skills. Your volunteer work is of great importance to the development of the sport on the island. This allows local charities to work with a much wider range of players and help develop other youth sports on a larger scale.

Hockey Coach

Hockey is a sport that is steadily developing in Curaçao, with growing interest and involvement from both locals and expats. While the island may not be as strongly associated with hockey as some other countries, the sport has certainly gained popularity here.
Local hockey clubs and associations have been active in promoting the sport. They organize practices, games, and tournaments, giving both beginners and experienced players the opportunity to develop their skills and participate in competitive events.
A key aspect of the growth of hockey in Curaçao is the involvement of the youth. Youth programs and school initiatives play a crucial role in introducing young people to the sport and encouraging their participation. Through these programs, children and teens can not only enjoy the physical benefits of hockey, but also the team spirit and social interaction that the sport promotes.
As with other sports on the island, hockey in Curaçao benefits from international connections. Exchange programs, international tournaments and participation in regional competitions contribute to the development of the local hockey community and offer players the opportunity to compete with teams from all over the world.
Although hockey may not be as widespread as some other sports on Curaçao, the growing interest and commitment of the local population is promising. Hockey not only offers an opportunity for physical activity, but also contributes to the building of community and team spirit on the island.
The goal of the hockey project is to also make the sport attractive to the local population. This is done by promoting the sport at schools. The children and young people who enjoy it can use our after-school hockey training for free and eventually become part of the well-established hockey clubs on the island.
For now, the sport is mainly popular with Dutch expats who have virtually no connection with the local population. By using sports as a means, we realize fraternization and communication between the two population groups and give the local population the opportunity to play hockey, a sport that is often perceived as ‘too expensive’.

Accommodation

Located in the quiet Mon Repos neighborhood, Villa Bon Bini offers two fully furnished homes on a spacious corner lot of 660 m². Each home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a large open kitchen, and a generous living room. The villas are fully equipped with granite flooring, a hot water system, security cameras, a private water well, and a backup generator.

Enjoy the tropical garden with a cozy palapa and the rooftop terrace with stunning views. The location is ideal: close to beaches, shops, schools, and sports facilities. There is enough space to accommodate up to 20 people.

ARRIVAL DAYS

We recommend that you arrive on one of the weekend dates listed below. Many volunteers and interns arrive on these days, which gives you the chance to immediately meet the other participants and receive an introduction to the projects. A great and meaningful way to start your adventure with The Power of Sports!

Curaçao – 2026

Saturday – Sunday
03 January – 04 January
10 January – 11 January
24 January – 25 January
07 February – 08 February
21 February – 22 February
07 March – 08 March
21 March – 22 March
04 April – 05 April
18 April – 19 April
02 May – 03 May
16 May – 17 May
30 May – 31 May
13 June – 14 June

(From 13 July onwards: school holidays – no projects)

05 September – 06 September
19 September – 20 September
03 October – 04 October
17 October – 18 October
31 October – 01 November

(From 30 November onwards: school holidays – no projects)

No projects during the following holidays/school breaks:

– 09/02/2026: Public holiday – Children’s Carnival
– 16/02/2026 to 22/02/2026: Carnival break
– 03/04/2026 to 10/04/2026: Easter break
– 27/04/2026: King’s Day
– 01/05/2026: Labour Day
– 14/05/2026 to 16/05/2026: Ascension weekend
– 02/05/2026 to 05/07/2026: “Vlagdag” + long weekend

WHY The power of Sports?

  • No registration fee and a free intake interview.
  • The project on Curaçao ‘E Poder di Deporte’ (The Power of Sports in Papiamentu) was founded by ourselves.
  • Volunteer work abroad is affordable, especially when you consider what you get in return.
  • The only travel organization that focuses entirely on social sports trips.
  • We tell an honest story and assess whether you are suitable for the project.
  • Our programs are carried out responsibly and have a proven positive impact.
  • All our employees are well acquainted with our foreign programs.
  • We offer good personal guidance, both in your home country and abroad.
  • We are founders and part of the ‘volunteer aware’ quality mark. We want to emphasize that our projects are rooted in a sincere dedication to a noble goal.

How experienced do I need to be for my volunteer work?

None of our projects require you to have any certificates or have completed one (sports) study. As a volunteer, you will have a supporting role and you will never be alone. We are not necessarily looking for the next professional, but we want to help children from all social backgrounds to develop socially and build life skills through sports. You give the next generation the opportunity to play sports in a fun and organized environment. So whatever your background and experience, you can be sure that you will make a positive contribution by volunteering as a coach in Curaçao.
What is important is that you have a basic knowledge of the rules of the given sport and that you radiate a lot of enthusiasm.
I am a vegetarian. Will my dietary requirements be taken into account?
-, We only do breakfast in Curaçao. Vegetarians are also taken into account.
 
What do I need to take into account abroad?
-After our no-obligation conversation where everything is discussed. You will be given time to think about whether this adventure is for you. If you decide to go, we will schedule a second conversation with you where we will go through the ‘Welcome pack’ together. This contains everything you need to take into account, what you need to bring, vaccinations, etc.
 
Can I also arrive earlier/later than an arrival weekend?
– This is possible but is strongly discouraged. Not only will you miss the introduction and orientation, you will also join an existing, often close-knit group and it is always more difficult to please a group if the group has already been formed. If you really cannot arrive earlier/later or if the flight is much cheaper, it is also advisable to take the first few days for a hostel before you go to our accommodation. Let us know, we are happy to help you!
 
How many other people will I be volunteering with? – There are always other interns/volunteers present at the accommodation in Curacao. The size of the group varies between 5 and 18 people. They often come from the Netherlands, but it is also possible that there are people from other countries. You can contact us to ask how many others will be there during your period. We will also create a group app with other people who will be making the trip in the same time frame. This way you can get to know each other in advance.

Naisha Santiago

Naisha Santiago is a proud and independent woman with roots in both the Netherlands and Curaçao. She speaks fluent English, Papiamentu, and Dutch, and has a solid understanding of Spanish. Sport is the common thread throughout her life: from earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management in The Hague, to completing a Master’s in Sports Policy and Management in Utrecht, as well as a teaching certificate in Curaçao.

Beyond her academic and sports background, Naisha is also a passionate entrepreneur. She helped launch initiatives such as the Multi Culti Cup, the Anti-Discrimination Festival, and the Kolorido football tournament. She also founded impactful organizations like Fundashon Kolorido and the Blue Wave Academy (supported by FIFA).

With a passion for social change and a sense of adventure, Naisha is a truly inspiring force within The Power of Sports.

4 weeks volunteering is
£850

including:

  • Beautiful accommodation
  • Airport pick-up/drop off
  • 1x evening meal
  • Free TPOS shirt and socks
  • Mountain bike
  • Introduction and tour upon arrival.
  • A designated coordinator at your project location.
  • Regular social events and joint activities with other volunteers and interns
  • Visa advice and support
  • Access to the groups app with all other volunteers/interns who are traveling at the same time.
  • Contact details of your coordinator to get acquainted in advance

    Any additional week is
    £160

10+ weeks: £1800 + £130 for each additional week
16+ weeks: £2565 + £80 for each additional week

Sign Up