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You don't have to be a gym addict, a marathon runner or a football fan to work in this sector. Sport and Leisure covers a lot of areas like, sport and recreation, health and fitness, the outdoors and visitor attractions so the job opportunities are waiting for you!

So, on your marks, get set.....Get ready to work in Sport and Leisure!

Around

over
600,000
people work in Sports and Fitness across the UK in over 230,000 different organisations
(Careermap, 2016)
THE SKILLS YOU'LL NEED
The Sport and Leisure industry need people with skills like:

Communication

Organisation

Teamwork

Sport specific technical skills

Being physically fit

Customer service

Helping people to learn

Leadership and Management

WHY NOT VOLUNTEER?
Volunteering in Sports and Leisure is a great way to:

Keep skills current and gain new skills

Keep qualifications updated and gain new qualifications

Make new contacts and create opportunities to find work

Give something back to the community and help others

Approximately(Sport Wales Active 9%
of the adult population
(aged 15 and over)
volunteer in sport.

Adult Survey, 2014)
GETTING IN
Desirable qualifications to work in Sport and Leisure can include:

Pool lifeguard

First Aid

Health and Safety

Coaching Award

Leadership instructor

Vocational Studies

You can take vocational subjects at school or college.

Courses like:

Sport and Public Services Level 1

Sport (Performance and Excellence) Level 2

Sport (Sports Coaching, Development and Fitness) Level 3

Training and Apprenticeships

Many people train through apprenticeship programmes.

Courses like:

Certificate in Outdoor Activity Leadership Level 2

Foundation Apprenticeship in Instructing Exercise and Fitness Level 2

Sport and Active Leisure; Operational Services Level 2

Diploma in Sport Level 3

Search for Apprenticeships Find a course

Sports & Leisure 1 in 10

Management graduates
work as Sport coaches,
Instructors and Officials
(Prospects 2015)

Higher Qualifications

You can also go on to study higher qualifications.

Courses like:

Sports and Leisure Management HND/HNC

Sport Business Management BSc (Hons)

Sports Physiotherapy MSc

Nutrition (Exercise and Health) BSc (Hons)

Sport Development and Coaching BA (Hons)

WHERE COULD YOU WORK?
The Sport and Leisure sector is big so you can work in different areas like:

Local authorities

Schools, Further Education and Higher Education

Health sector

Professional sports clubs

Leisure centres

Swimming pools

Spas and Gyms

Outdoor activity centres

COULD YOU BE A PROFESSIONAL SPORTS PLAYER?
Of those entering the game (football)
at 16 50% will be outside
football by the time they're 18.
At 21 years old, 75% or above
are outside football.

(Professional Footballers' Association Education Department, 2014)

A lot of people dream of making it big in the sport they love; representing their country in rugby, winning the Masters in golf or winning a gold medal in the Olympics.

It's good to dream and set yourself targets, after all to become a professional sports player determination and ambition are key factors. It's also important to remember that in reality becoming a professional is very competitive so it's important to have a back-up plan.

To get started why not look out for opportunities with local clubs, play for your school team, attend summer sport camps or join an academy.

Check out Sport Wales to find out more.

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You don't have to be a gym addict, a marathon runner or a football fan to work in this sector. Sport and Leisure covers a lot of areas like, sport and recreation, health and fitness, the outdoors and visitor attractions so the job opportunities are waiting for you!