Spread Your Sport in the United Kingdom
Step into the heart of Belfast's welcoming and vibrant community. Working alongside a dedicated sport for development NGO, you’ll help run PeacePlayer's annual Interface Games summer camp—gaining hands-on experience in coaching, event media, or community relations where your contribution directly impacts youth across the city. Build genuine confidence, sharpen your cross-cultural communication, and bring home a resume that proves you can thrive in the real world.
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Duration
Tuition
2 Weeks
$3,995
Session Dates
July 10 - July 24, 2027
Internship Placements
• Event Manager
• Camp Facilitator
• Marketing Manager
• Social Worker
Priority App Deadline
December 15, 2026
Internship Description
Every placement is tailored to align with your career goals. Programs average a minimum of 40 accrued internship hours with on-site staff support.
About Our Partner
PeacePlayers Northern Ireland has been instrumental in providing an opportunity for Catholic and Protestant youth to form friendships and advocate for reconciliation and shared society. The centuries-old conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland continues to divide communities––creating religious division, prejudice, and sectarianism in virtually every facet of life. Through year-round sports programming, conflict resolution education, and leadership development activities, young leaders actively promote harmony in a historically divided community.
Each summer, the organization invites the community to explore culture and identity at the Interface Games. During this week-long camp, young people from all over Belfast come together to play Gaelic football, rugby, and soccer. Apart from sports, and at the core of each day, campers participate in interactive community relations workshops ("good relations" stations) led by PeacePlayers facilitators.
Interns will play an active role in the daily operations of the Interface Games in one of the roles detailed below. Additionally you will be fully responsible for planning one day of the program dedicated to "Traditional American Sports"––such as baseball, softball, lacrosse, and/or football––to transcend the community's understanding of peace across borders and cultures. There will be some collaborative work that requires completion before departing for your program (more details will be shared during your placement).
You may choose to take on one or multiple intern roles:
Event Manager
This role is responsible for leading the planning and execution of the American Sports Day. You will work with fellow intern "sport leads" to gather materials, design the activities, and coordinate training materials with PeacePlayers staff. You will be called upon to make sure this day of the camp runs smoothly. Ideal for Sports Management, Leadership, Non-Profit Management, International Business, and Child Development majors.
Camp Facilitator
All students will take on the role of coach, referee, scorekeeper, team captain, and/or sport station leader during the camp. You will be relied on for bringing positive energy, sport expertise, and teamwork to every day of the camp. Ideal for Exercise Science, Child Development, Education, and Social Work majors.
Marketing Manager
This role is responsible for preparing digital camp promotional materials, documenting the 4-day camp, and supporting PeacePlayers by capturing moments for future marketing campaigns. You will need to provide your own camera, video equipment, and/or other device to capture media during the camp. Ideal for Media Studies, Journalism, Communications, Graphic Design, and Marketing majors.
Social Worker
This role is responsible for supporting PeacePlayers on the concept design of each "good relations" station and leading the activity during the camp. The objective of these stations is to facilitate meaningful conversations about identity, compassion, leadership, and other values defined by PeacePlayers' mission to create a more peaceful world. Ideal for Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, International Relations, Criminal Justice, and Social Work majors.
Sample Daily Schedule
8:30 AM | Shared Breakfast
Mornings in Belfast start with a relaxed routine at your residence! Head into the shared kitchen to cook your own breakfast, fuel up on tea or coffee, and connect with fellow interns before the day gets underway.
9:30 AM | Morning Commute
Head out to the PeacePlayers house or the summer camp facility via a quick walk or local public transport. Getting around Belfast is safe and easy, and our on-site team will walk you through all transit options during orientation.
10:00 AM | Internship Work
Arrive at camp and jump into action! During week 1, this time will be spent planning the American Sports Day and participating in volunteer training. During week 2, you'll spend your morning at camp coaching sports, refereeing matches, capturing photo and video content, or leading community relations workshops for over 100 youth from across Belfast.
2:00 PM | Lunch Break
Enjoy mid-day free time to recharge! Step out with fellow interns to explore a nearby local farmers market or grab a bite at one of Belfast's charming cafes.
4:00 PM | Sports Training & Workouts
Head over to the gym for a session with your fellow interns. All students receive full gym access throughout the program to maintain their fitness routines. (Interested in training with a local team? Let us know during your interview—depending on your sport, practice sessions can be arranged 2 to 3 times per week.)
6:30 PM | Evening Dinner & Live Music
Wind down your day by immersing yourself in Belfast’s famed community atmosphere. Head out into the city for dinner at local restaurants and enjoy the lively, authentic traditional music scene at local pubs alongside your cohort. Your on-site Beyond Sports staff will be accessible to help you connect to different activities in Belfast.
All daily internship schedules vary by placement. This daily itinerary is crafted to give you a sample day as a Beyond Sports intern.
Life in Belfast
Lodging & Meals
Students will reside in a centrally-located university residence with fellow interns and other international students. Each accommodation includes:
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Fully fitted kitchen
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Private bedroom with essential furnishings & linens
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Private or shared bathroom
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Laundry, available on-site
After enrollment, you will complete a housing questionnaire to help our local team match you with the most suitable suitemates.
Fitness Abroad
Our team is committed to supporting your athletic goals. All students are given access to a centrally located gym, allowing you to maintain individual fitness routines with 4-5 workouts per week.
You may also have opportunities to engage with local sports teams and athletes, where available. If interested in sport-specific practices or trainings, please inquire during your interview process. Our team will work closely with you to craft a personalized training plan. Depending on your sport, practice sessions can be arranged 2 to 3 times per week.
Safety
Renowned for its legendary hospitality and warm community spirit, Belfast is widely recognized as one of the safest and most welcoming student cities in the UK.
As a thriving academic hub, it offers a peaceful, walkable environment with a close-knit feel, making it easy for international students to navigate the city with confidence and ease.
Beyond Sports staff host a welcome and safety orientation upon arrival and remain accessible to students 24/7 while on program.
Excursions
This program includes one weekend excursion organized and led by Beyond Sports staff––transportation and two daily meals are provided. Excursions for this program include:
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Northern Coast Day Trip: Travel to the northern coast to visit some of Northern Ireland's most iconic sites, including Carrickfergus Castle, Dark Hedges, Giant’s Causeway, and Dunluce Castle.
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Other Weekly Activities: Our experienced staff will organize other activities to help you explore Belfast's historic sites, such as the Titanic Quarter, Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast Castle, and Botanic Gardens. On your day off, you may also plan your own day trip to Dublin, Ireland with fellow interns!
Program Details
Dates
Session #1: July 10 - July 24, 2027
Note: Plan to arrive at your destination on the official start date of your session. Your accommodations are fully included and available starting Day 1.
Program Tuition
$3,995
Scholarship and fundraising resources are available. Please contact our team for more details.
Included
Eligibility
All Beyond Sports Internship Programs are open to current college students and recent college graduates (1-2 years post-graduation). Student-athletes from any competition level (NCAA, NAIA, JC, club, intramural) and any major are welcome to apply.
Capacity
Capacity is limited to 12 interns. Once the session fills, waitlist spots are assigned in order of registration.
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University residence accommodation
Welcome & Farewell meals
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In-country airport transfers (on arrival & departure days)
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Public transportation pass
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Internship placement
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One weekend group excursion
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Gym membership
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Sport-specific training opportunities (varies by sport)
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International health insurance
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Program t-shirt
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Pre-departure support & orientation
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Post-program support & career guidance
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Local Support Staff 24/7
Not Included
Payment
If accepted, a $250 deposit is require to reserve your spot in the program. The remaining balance is paid in a series of two installments. Specific deadlines will be outlined during registration.
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Roundtrip airfare to Belfast, Northern Ireland (BHD airport)
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Passport/associated fees, if applicable
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Daily meals/groceries
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Snacks, souvenirs, & optional entertainment expenses
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Card fees associated with tuition payments (ranging from 3-5%, varies by card). Card fees can be avoided by paying with a US Checking Account.
Application Process
Priority Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
1.
Apply Online
Fill out our free online application. We look for driven students who are dedicated to their personal development and prepared to represent Beyond Sports with leadership and professionalism.
2.
Complete a Phone Interview
If selected, you will receive an email to schedule a 20-minute phone interview. This conversation is a great opportunity for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions about the program.
3.
Register & Deposit
If accepted into the program, you'll receive an email invitation with the link to register. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your internship spot. The remaining balance is paid in two installments.
Program FAQ
What is the placement process like?
Once you're enrolled in an internship program, you will be invited to schedule a Goal Setting call with your Site Director who will work with you to place you with a company that best fits your academic and career interests. Students typically learn the specific organization they are interning with around one month before the program starts.
Can I receive academic credit for this program?
Yes, you can receive credit for your internship with approval from your home university. We encourage all students to check with their university about how to receive academic credit for their internship. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure your internship meets their requirements. More information found here.
Are the internships paid opportunities?
All of our internships are are unpaid, educational opportunities focused on skill acquisition, mentorship, resume enhancement and career exploration.
Is there a language requirement?
No, there is generally no language requirement. However, some placements, primarily in Costa Rica or Spain, require local language proficiency. If moved onto the interview round, your Admissions Coordinator will discuss this with you.
Can I participate in more than one program?
Yes, certainly! Inquire about discount opportunities for participating in double-sessions in one country or dual-programs in multiple destinations. We have carefully aligned program dates to increase the possibility of further promoting your cultural immersion.
Do I have to be a current student-athlete to participate in an internship program?
No, you do not have to be a current student-athlete to participate in one of our programs. We design all of our programs with student-athletes in mind; however, our programs are a great fit for managers, former athletes, and non-student-athletes with sports-focussed interests!
Do I need a working visa?
No work visa is required. Our internships are structured as short-term educational placements rather than commercial work contracts, which means you can enter under standard visitor/tourist status. U.S. citizens currently do not require pre-arranged visas for most of our program destinations (excluding specific electronic travel authorizations like the UK ETA). Non-U.S. citizens and international students are responsible for reviewing their country’s specific entry guidelines.
Who will meet me at the airport upon my arrival?
Our Beyond Sports staff will be waiting for you at the airport in your host country destination. Once you connect with our team on the ground, our staff will be accessible for you through the duration of the program.
Contact Us
Our staff is readily available to answer your questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at your convenience.
