European Youth Volunteers – Sport, Inclusion & Community
Union Plaani ry
Heinola, Finland
Description
The volunteers will join Union Plaani, a football club in Heinola, Finland, and take part in daily youth sport and community activities. Their main tasks will include assisting in football sessions for children and young people, supporting camps, tournaments and other club events, and helping to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants. Volunteers may also contribute to communication, international activities and youth participation.
The opportunity combines practical volunteering with personal and professional learning. Volunteers will work together with coaches, staff and other volunteers and gradually take more responsibility according to their skills and interests. Coaching experience is an advantage, but previous football experience is not required.
English will be the working language. Volunteers will also have opportunities to learn basic Finnish and experience Finnish culture and local community life.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Union Plaani will provide suitable accommodation with shared kitchen and common facilities. Volunteers will receive the ESC food allowance and a €200 gift card for a local supermarket to support food costs.
Local transport will mainly be by bicycle. During winter, heavy snow or unsafe cycling conditions, volunteers will use a car or public transport. Union Plaani will support volunteers with practical travel arrangements.
Travel to and from Finland will be organised and supported according to ESC rules and applicable travel support.
Training during the activity
Volunteers will receive an introduction to Union Plaani, its activities, safety procedures and working methods. They will learn through practical work, guidance from coaches and staff, teamwork and regular feedback. Volunteers will also participate in the ESC On-Arrival and Mid-Term Training organised by the National Agency. During the project, they will develop skills in youth work, coaching, communication, teamwork, event organisation and intercultural learning. Each volunteer will have regular opportunities to reflect on their learning and personal development.
Participant profile
We are looking for four motivated young people aged 18–30 who are interested in sport, youth work and community activities. Coaching experience, especially in football or other sports, is a strong advantage, but professional qualifications are not required. English will be the working language, so participants should have sufficient English skills for everyday communication and teamwork. We value motivation, responsibility, openness, teamwork and willingness to learn. Participants should enjoy working with children and young people and be ready to take part in everyday club life. We welcome participants from different backgrounds and encourage young people with fewer opportunities to apply.
Activity dates
From 04/01/2027 to 31/07/2027
Activity location
Heinola, Finland
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine
Activity topics
Health and wellbeing
Physical education and sport
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 31/10/2026 23:59
Project code
2026-1-FI01-ESC51-VTJ-000400715