South Africa

Founded in 2011, the Resilient and Victorious United Women’s Football Club, or RV United, is based in the township of Khayelitsha and serves girls and young women. Through the game of soccer, girls exercise, build self-esteem, challenge harmful gender norms, and become empowered to live healthy lifestyles with the mentorship of coaches and older players.

Soccer, Community Building, & Girls' Empowerment

• Coach a soccer camp for girls alongside professional staff • Hike Table Mountain for a bird's-eye view of Cape Town • Meet former inmates of the prison that held Nelson Mandela • Go on safari and spot giraffes, zebras, and elephants

Destination • Cape Town is nestled between the sweeping cliffs of Table Mountain National Park and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This port city is a cosmopolitan hub of cultural activity and a melting pot of international influences. Explore the city’s complicated history as you focus on community building and girls’ empowerment through soccer.

Projects • Join the Resilient and Victorious United Women's Football Club for a series of workshops and learn how they use soccer to promote healthy lifestyles, confidence, leadership skills, and academic achievement for local girls. Then, using what you have learned, design and implement a one-week soccer camp alongside professional coaches.

Activities • Hike iconic Table Mountain, take surfing lessons, or speak with former inmates at Robben Island, the prison that once held Nelson Mandela. Host a soccer camp for local girls, and cap the experience with a safari in Kruger National Park to spot big game and learn about wildlife conservation initiatives.

Detailed itineraries and more at goputney.com

June 25–July 14

Completing Grades: 9–12 • 20 days • $6,590 + airfare Group Flight: Departs from New York