Description
Sport and physical activity contribute £39 billion to the UK’s economy and a significant portion of this comes from grassroots sport: the millions of people who buy trainers, bikes, gym memberships or pay match fees.
The sector boosts the economy in two ways. Directly, through job creation, and indirectly by reducing healthcare costs due to a healthier population and a reduced crime rate.
This sector has been hit hard by covid-19. To help overcome this challenging time the sector is looking for students/graduates with fresh ideas and a willingness to work hard.
Working in the Sports Industry isn’t just about being a footballer, working in a Gym or being a PE teacher (although these are all options working in Sport!).
Labour Market Information
Careers in the Sports Industry
If you want a career in sports, you have two main options:
Choose a career that’s only available in the sports industry (eg athlete or sports coach)
- Athlete
- Sports Coach/Instructor
- PE/Sport Teacher
- Sports Physiotherapist
- Sports Therapy
- Leisure Centre/Gym Manager
Choose a career that’s available in a range of different industries, including sport (e.g. social media executive or accountant).
- Sports Lawyer
- Sports Journalist
- Sports Photographer
- Sports Marketing, PR, Communications, Social Media
Career Paths
A Sport Performance Analyst monitors and records sporting performances for a team/organisation. They work with coaches and athletes in training and competitive environments in order to ensure improvements in their performance. This may be done by identifying weaknesses amongst individuals i.e. technically or analysing the overall team tactics.
Important skills for the role: time management, work well under pressure, listen and communicate, work effectively with different people, good subject knowledge, the ability to explain information , computer skills, Good organisational skills, Be proactive and focused.
For the role of a Sports Analyst, a degree within Sport and Exercise Science is desired.
Find out more about duties, at Careers in Sport.
Sports development officers help schools and communities get more actively involved in sport by organising projects and initiatives.
They are usually tasked with the organisation and awareness of sport in the community and continually work to improve participation in sport and develop the provision of a wide range of recreational activities.
Important skills for the role; networking, communication, be able to work with a wide range of people, good knowledge level in sport and an awareness of problems within sport, excellent leadership skills, excellent organisation and administration skills, good IT skills and the ability to be able to work independently.
For the role of a sports development officer there aren't any set qualifications needed but the following subjects may help provide the right knowledge and background to get into this role; Physical Education, Sport Development or Management, Sport in the Community, Sport Science or Sports Studies.
Coaching qualifications and related work experience are likely to help with this career path as well.
Find out more about becoming a Sports Development Officer on Prospects – Sport Development Officer.
Sports physiotherapists work with athletes to help them overcome and prevent injuries. Some sports physiotherapists are employed by sports clubs, if you work with professional athletes you’re likely to attend training sessions and competitions/matches around the country or internationally. You could also work for a private physiotherapy clinic, or set up your own.
Important skills for the role; A high level of knowledge of how the human body works and the muscles and bones in the body, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be able to be sensitive to injured players, the ability to work well with groups, individuals and colleagues.
To become a Sports Physiotherapist a degree in Physiotherapy will be required. You could do this either as an undergraduate (first) degree, or as a masters (a higher level degree) after studying a related subject first. You could also look into a Physiotherapist degree apprenticeship.
Find out more about becoming a Sports Physiotherapist on Prospects – Sports Physiotherapist.
What to Expect Working in the Sports Industry
Careers in the Sport sector are varied and require hard work, dedication and a genuine passion for what you do. Working in the sport sector can require long and unsocial working hours, this can include early mornings, late nights , weekends and bank holidays. Employees can be hired on seasonal contracts which allows time for career breaks and part time work. Potentially a relatively low salary to start with. However, salaries in sport and leisure vary depending on the size and location of companies, and whether the organisation is local authority or privately-owned. Working within the sport sector can be incredibly rewarding helping people to enjoy their free time, reach their fitness potential and travel the world, this can lead to high levels of job satisfaction. Working in sport you'll often be responsible for a person's physical wellbeing. Progression in the sector can be fairly quick.
Work Experience
If you are studying a sport course within further education you would normally complete work experience as part of a study programme. You may also be considering part-time work or volunteering to compliment your course. Tutors are industry experts and have a wealth of employer contacts to support you with progression into employment. Throughout the year you could look for internships, work experience or voluntary work. Normally you have to research these yourself and make first point of contact with companies to see if they will take you on. You may also be able to find work experience in the community helping local sports teams and coaches.
Key Skills
Working in the Sports Industry can be demanding but also fulfilling. You may have to work long hours and weekends, however you are usually working with lots of different people to achieve one goal. There are certain set of general skills which will help you deal with the demands of roles in these areas.
Good communication skills Work well under pressure
Leadership Skills Enthusiastic
Sound knowledge in sport Excellent Organisation Skills
Good IT Skills Networking Ability
Courses at Lincoln College
Choose from a range of courses covering all aspects of the Sport industry. As you have read, courses in a wide range of subjects or vocational areas could be relevant to the Sport industry, including:
Studying Sport directly - Sport, Sport and Exercise Science, Sport Fitness and Personal Training, Sport Coaching and Physical Education, Sports Therapy, Sport Coaching and Development.
Other courses which could be linked to a future career in Sport – Business, A-levels, Travel and Tourism
Find out more on the Lincoln College website
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are courses that allow you to learn on the job while studying. Apprenticeships can be an alternative to academic qualifications and can be done at different levels. Sport Development apprenticeships can lead to careers in community and sports development officers. Apprenticeships can be found in instructing exercise and fitness at level 2 and 3 which can lead to jobs in leisure centres and personal training. Within Sport there are also apprenticeships in PE teaching assistant, sport coach or lifeguard. Find out more on the Prospects website. You can search and apply for apprenticeship on Find an Apprenticeship.
Studying Sports subjects in Higher Education
There is a wide range of courses in the sports sector, from sports science, to performance and sports psychology. This subject area offers access to a huge choice of job roles, from hands-on fitness, to administration and management.
Find out more about studying Sport in Higher Education on the UCAS website
Lincoln College – University Degree Centre offer options for studying Sport at Higher Education level.
Useful Links
Careers in Sport offer information on different careers in the sporting industry, they also give you information on different sports companies and courses.
Target Careers give information on specific careers in sport.
National Careers have information on careers in sport, the salaries available and information on working days and hours.
UCAS Careers have information on different opportunities in the sports industry, information on typical salary, the amount of available jobs in the past year, skills needed for the job and relevant courses that will help you achieve your goal.