The Sports Envoy Program is run by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It sends current and former American professional athletes and coaches abroad to lead youth clinics, team-building activities, community outreach, media engagements, and dialogue with local leaders. Programs are developed with U.S. embassies and consulates and usually take place in one country, though destinations vary worldwide.
Benefits & funding
- International airfare, passports, visas, required immunizations, lodging, and per diem are budgeted for Envoy participants.
- Approved miscellaneous travel expenses may be reimbursed.
- Envoys receive a USD 250 honorarium for each program day.
- Health coverage is arranged for the exchange period, and host public diplomacy sections typically cover in-country transportation and program costs.
- Each exchange lasts about 7–10 days including travel, described on the participant page as 1–2 weeks.
Eligibility
- Current or former American professional athletes and coaches may be considered.
- The program seeks candidates who are passionate and community-oriented.
- No degree, age, gender, or stated years-of-experience requirement is published.
- Submission of the interest form does not guarantee placement; final selection is coordinated by the Office of Sports Diplomacy with sports leagues, national governing bodies, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and U.S. embassies or consulates.
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Eligible nationalities
USA
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Application process
- 1Complete the Sports Envoy interest form linked by the State Department’s Sports Diplomacy FAQ.
- 2The program may recruit or nominate candidates through professional leagues, national sports federations, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
- 3The Office of Sports Diplomacy coordinates screening and final selection for specific embassy-developed programs.
- 4Selected Envoys complete preparation and travel arrangements with the implementing partner before departure.
Program timeline
Ongoing
Sports Envoy interest form remains available without a published deadline.
After recruitment or nomination
Screening and final selection for a specific embassy-developed program.
Before travel
Program preparation and logistical coordination.
Program dates vary
Approximately 7–10 days abroad including travel.