Help refugee children through play and exercise

Do you really want to make a difference to refugee children and young people? As a volunteer with TeamUp, you’ll lead sports and physical activities that bring structure, fun and support into their lives. These activities help them to deal with emotions such as fear, anger and sadness in a playful way.

Before you start, you’ll take part in a two-day training course so that you’re well prepared to get started. Together with an enthusiastic team, you’ll visit a reception centre (AZC) in your local area at a fixed time each week.

TeamUp is a programme run by Save the Children and was developed in collaboration with UNICEF Netherlands and War Child.

Your duties
You’ll be part of an enthusiastic, international team of volunteers and professionals. Every week, you’ll lead sports and exercise activities for children and young people (aged 6–18) at an asylum seekers’ centre. The activities always have a theme and a purpose, such as friendship, teamwork or respect.
By being there for them every week, you build a relationship based on trust. You provide structure, fun and a sense of connection. Children and young people feel heard, seen and supported by you. At the same time, you’ll receive excellent support from us and plenty of opportunities to develop yourself further.

You will also play a role in identifying issues. You will learn how to recognise behaviour of concern and refer children to specialist care where necessary.

This is you:
• You must be aged 21 or over (as the role involves working with children and young people up to the age of 18).
• You have experience of organising activities for children and young people, or relevant work experience.
• You have completed a degree (or are currently studying) in pedagogy, education, social work or sport, play and physical activity.
• You are available for around 4 hours a week from around 14:00 (the day and time vary by location).
• You are available for a longer period; stability is essential for this vulnerable group.

Do you work with children or young people?
TeamUp works with children (aged 6–14) and young people (aged 14–18). For both groups, we are looking for volunteers with specific qualities:
- Children: you are patient, caring and playful. You help them to develop and work together.
- Young people: you are energetic, determined and empathetic. You use sport to motivate and engage them.

Do you have a preference, or would you like to find out more? Please feel free to discuss this with our recruiters.

What do we offer?
• The opportunity to make a direct difference to refugee children and young people.
• Practical training in running activities and working with refugee children and young people.
• A place in an international, professional and enthusiastic team.
• Counselling and stress management sessions.
• Volunteer events to share experiences.
• A travel allowance and reimbursement of any expenses incurred.
• The opportunity to gain work experience in this field and to develop your skills further;

Apply now!
Do you want to make a difference, are you sporty, and do you fit the profile? Then apply now. We’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible.

At TeamUp, the safety of children and young people is our top priority. We do not tolerate any form of abuse. This issue is addressed in our recruitment and selection procedures.
TeamUp is made possible in part by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).