There are six sports volunteering projects around the globe. Here are summaries of what's possible.

1.Costa Rica. Volunteer from 1-2 weeks. Cost of first week $1425, subsequent weeks $220. If you are looking for a beach break then these projects on the beautiful Pacific coast need you on board. You will be learning to surf and helping to conserve the local sea turtle population during two sun-kissed weeks. You’ll be living on the beach coupling surfing lessons and supervised surf practice with patrolling the beaches and preparing turtle hatcheries. Providing you can swim, love the outdoors and have a passion for working with animals you will make a big difference and a lot of friends!

2. Bali. Volunteer from 3-8 weeks. Three week project $1535, subsequent weeks are $275. The picturesque coastal village of Canggu remains largely ignored by all but the cleverest tourists and you’ll only have to share the beach with the children on the project, who you will help teach. The kids won’t be the only ones doing the learning though as free surfing lessons are included in the project along with enough free time in the afternoons to practice. TEFL certification is included in the price to give you a head start in the classroom, but we’re afraid your success at surfing is totally up to you!

3. Cape Town, South Africa. Volunteer from 2-8 weeks. Two weeks cost $1535, subsequent weeks $400. Based at the beautiful white sandy beach of Muizenburg near Cape Town you'll spend your time learning how to surf and then teaching some fantastic children how to do their thing in the surf! Watch as they learn how to stand on the board and smile as they try to balance! Experience their energy and enthusiam first hand and watch their (and your!) amazement as they take to the waters for the first time. You will be working with children from disadvantaged backgounds - bringing to them some happiness and hopefully a passion for a great sport. You will also have plenty of free time to explore the stunning Cape Town area; you could dive with sharks, hike through the stunning Cape region, sky dive…the outdoor adventure options are endless!

4. Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Volunteer from 2-12 weeks. A two-week stint is $1755, subsequent weeks are $220. Brazil is a country that demands your attention and trying to decide how to fit everything in is a difficult task. This is the perfect project for those who can’t make up their mind; just do it all, by combining work experience, volunteering, teaching and sport. Based on the white sands of Ipanema Beach (so good they wrote a song about it) you’ll learn to surf and get involved in the community by passing on your new skills to local youngsters.

5. Posadas, Argentina. Volunteer from 2-12 weeks. A two-week commitment costs $1425, subsequent weeks are $330. Growing populations in the suburbs combined with a spluttering economy means many children experience social deprivation. This project in the lively city of Posadas gives the children something to look forward to as well as keeping them fit and healthy. It doesn’t matter if you’re not blessed with natural talent because just as valuable as the sport itself is the daily contact with native English speakers and the chance to experience an exchange of cultures. Besides, as they’re Argentinean they’ll probably be able to teach you all you need to know on the football field anyway! The project aims to promote recreational games and healthy competition between the children, giving them something positive to focus on, rather than alcohol and drugs.

6. Thailand. Volunteer from 2-4 weeks. Two weeks costs $1975, subsequent weeks are $550. This project is more informal. The focus is on YOU learning Thai boxing. Your participation in the community is what you choose to give back.

Email us at: Distinctive Destinations