Youth Football Academy Programme in Tanzania — Art in Tanzania
What is it? The Youth Football Academy Programme places coaches, sports professionals, and health-minded volunteers in a partnership-driven football development initiative in Tanzania — covering talent identification, player development, coaching, and athlete health for both girls and boys. The program is run by Art in Tanzania (AIT), a community development NGO founded in 1996, in partnership with two specialist football partners.
Where? Academy sessions, villages, and schools around Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
How long? Flexible — the programme runs continuously year-round, with duration adjustable to your academic schedule and goals.
Working hours? 6–8 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
Who joins? Sports science students, coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and public health professionals. AIT typically hosts 15–40 international students at a time, drawn from over 400 partner universities worldwide.
Who are the programme's partners?
The programme operates in collaboration with two dedicated partners, combining local roots with international reach:
- Briessfull Stars Organisation — a Tanzanian organisation of retired top Tanzanian football professionals, bringing deep local knowledge, credibility, and networks.
- 7Elity Academy (Utah, USA) — an internationally connected football academy with branches in the UK and South Africa and links to top-tier professional clubs worldwide, connecting Tanzanian youth talent to a global development pathway.
What does the placement involve?
Your placement is tailored to your background and the needs of the academy and community programmes you support. Work spans several areas:
- Coaching and technical training — leading and assisting football coaching on technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical development, through both individual skill work and team training.
- Physical conditioning and ball training — supporting structured training that develops the speed, strength, endurance, and coordination young players need to progress.
- Nutrition and health education — promoting good nutrition, hygiene, and public health among young players — is particularly impactful where awareness of sports nutrition is limited.
- Village and school sports — supporting sports in villages and schools, broadening participation and identifying emerging talent.
- Visibility and social media — documenting training and player development stories for AIT's channels, reaching over 50,000 Facebook followers.
Why does this programme matter?
Tanzania produces football talent, but the infrastructure to nurture it — quality coaching, physical conditioning, nutritional support, and connections to higher-level academies — is less developed. Interns and volunteers who bring these capabilities are central to what the programme is building. For sports science students, coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and public health professionals interested in sport, it offers a high-impact way to apply your expertise.
How does the placement work?
The programme runs year-round with flexible start dates and adjustable duration. Your placement is tailored to your background and interests. Sports science, football coaching, physical education, sports nutrition, physiotherapy, public health, and sports management are all well-suited.
Who runs the programme, and since when?
Art in Tanzania (AIT) has placed approximately 250 participants annually in hands-on community programmes across Tanzania since 1996. The Youth Football Academy Programme is a partnership-driven initiative focused on talent identification, player development, coaching capacity, and holistic athlete health for both girls and boys.
What is life in Tanzania like during the placement?
Football in Tanzania is a cultural heartbeat, and being part of the game at the village and academy level gives you a connection to local life few placements can match. Beyond the pitch, Tanzania's landscapes, wildlife, and culture are extraordinary, and affordable, sustainable safaris and tours are available for you and visiting friends or family.
Can I get funding?
Yes. Erasmus+ funding may be available for this placement. Speak with your student or international office about grant options that could fully or partially fund the experience.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Youth Football Academy Programme involve?
Coaching and technical training, physical conditioning, nutrition and health education, village and school sports, and visibility and social media, for both girls and boys.
Who are the programme's partners?
Briessfull Stars Organisation, made up of retired top Tanzanian football professionals, and 7Elity Academy (Utah, USA), with branches in the UK and South Africa and links to professional clubs worldwide.
Who can join the Youth Football Academy Programme?
Sports science students, football coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and public health professionals interested in sport. AIT hosts 15–40 participants at a time from over 400 partner universities worldwide.
What are the working hours?
6–8 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
When can I start?
The programme runs continuously year-round, with flexible start dates and adjustable duration.
Is funding available?
Yes — Erasmus+ funding may fully or partially cover your placement. Ask your student office about grant options.
Ready to apply?
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