Millions of people across the UK have a real passion for sport. Every weekend football pitches are packed with five a side matches, tennis courts with people knocking balls over a net and golf courses with people trying to perfect their putting. Sport helps us unwind and stay healthy. There are also many studies showing that keeping active is good for our mental health. Wouldn’t it be great to have a job doing something you love? A career in sport could mean many things, so here are some ideas to get you started.
Career in Sport – What’s Available?
Working in sport doesn’t have to mean coaching players. Many sports clubs are multi-million pound companies, and will need accountants, marketing staff, managers and website designers. Many more people work promoting their sport through advertising or raising awareness. Journalists write about sport, builders may specialise in constructing new sporting facilities. Think about your skill set, what sort of work you enjoy doing, and start looking around for sporting organisations offering those sorts of occupations.
Sporting Salaries
David Beckham and Andy Murray may have made their millions by being great at sport but they are the exception rather than the rule. Many people working in sport at grassroots level are volunteers. Volunteering is a great way of getting experience, then using that to move into a paid role later on. Volunteer coaches will need enhanced DBS checks if they are working with children, and we can help you to apply for your disclosure check. Volunteers don’t have to pay for a DBS check, although employed staff may have to. Newly qualified sports coaches can expect to earn between £16,000 and £25,000. If you rise through the ranks to senior coach level, you can expect to earn around £35,000.
Working in sport-related occupations
If you’re more interested in the business side of sport, then salaries and opportunities are broadly similar to other industries. You won’t need to be the next Wayne Rooney to work as an accountant for your local football club, but a basic knowledge of the game is always an advantage. Vacancies are usually advertised online or through the club’s social media feeds. There’s also the possibility to move into sports from other industries once you’ve gained experience or qualifications.
Part-time working
The other main advantage to developing a career in sport is that so many part-time opportunities are available. This could mean casual match-day working as a steward, or term-time only vacancies coaching an after-school gymnastics club. If you’re volunteering, this also gives more flexibility to commit as much or as little time as you wish. Students who have their eyes set on a career in sports can easily build up some experience while studying, as can young people who are still at school. People who have retired from work often also like to “keep their hand in” by taking on casual work in a field they love. One word of warning though – sport is a popular industry to work in. Be persistent and tenacious and eventually you’ll find the perfect opportunity.