Sports Coach
What is the work like?
Sports coaches teach sports skills and techniques to individuals and teams of all abilities, from absolute beginners to top international professionals. They help people to take part in their chosen sport safely and to their full potential.
As a sports coach your work would include:
- planning structured training programmes
- running training sessions
- going to competitions and events with participants
- giving feedback on performance
- monitoring the physical and mental condition of participants
- developing players into an effective team.
Only a few sports coaches are full-time – most are volunteers, and coach alongside another full-time job.
Coach development officers (CDOs) are qualified and experienced coaches who work with County Sports Partnerships (partnerships of local agencies that aim to help people benefit from sport) to support coaches in developing their skills and qualifications.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would need a coaching qualification which is recognised by the national governing body (NGB) for your sport. You can get these qualifications in either of the following ways:
- directly through the NGBs, or
- as part of a college or university course which includes coaching.
If you work with children you will need CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance.
NGB qualifications are usually on four levels. You can do them as short, full-time courses, part-time, or by distance learning. Visit the Sport England website for NGB contact details.
You would need to show that you have practical coaching skills – you will usually find plenty of opportunities to get involved on a voluntary basis. Visit the Sport England website for information on local clubs and sporting activities.
Relevant college and university courses include:
- degrees in subjects such as coaching, sports science, sports studies, movement studies or physical education
- foundation degrees in sports coaching
- BTEC HNC/HND in Leisure Studies.
For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward. To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk (link opens in new window).
What further training and development can I do?
Once you have the basic coaching qualifications required by the national governing body (NGB) for your sport you can go on to take more advanced qualifications.
sports coach UK is working with NGBs and SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning, to develop the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC). This will create a five-level framework of nationally recognised and transferable coaching qualifications. Some qualifications have already been accredited. Visit the sports coach UK and UKCC websites for details.
To progress in your coaching career you would need to keep up to date with sports-related issues, for example developing your knowledge of subjects such as sports psychology and nutrition.
You can attend a wide range of courses and workshops run by sports coach UK in all sports and at every level. You may find these useful for your continuing professional development (CPD). sports coach UK also run training in child protection, which you will need if you work with children.
Where can I go for more information?
Victoria House
Bloomsbury Square
London
WC1B 4SE
Tel: 0845 850 8508
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Full-time salaries can be between £12,000 to £20,000 or more a year.
- Part-time rates vary depending on how many people are being coached and at what level. The hourly rate can range from £10 to £20.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work evenings and weekends, when most people take part in sport. You would need to attend training sessions and competitions, which can involve a lot of travel. This could be local, national or international, depending on your sport and the level of the competitors you coach.
Your working environment would depend on your particular sport – for some sports you would spend most of your time outside in all weathers.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- enthusiasm for your sport
- good spoken communication skills
- the ability to inspire confidence and motivate performers
- the ability to analyse problems
- perseverance and patience
- good organisational skills
- a sensitive and supportive approach
- physical stamina.
What opportunities are there?
Opportunities for coaching vary depending on the sport. Full-time opportunities are mainly in professional sports such as football, cricket, tennis, golf and athletics. Vacancies of this kind are scarce, and competition is fierce.
You are most likely to find work on a part-time or voluntary basis, in organisations such as sports centres, sports clubs, schools and activity centres. You could be self-employed and work for several clubs or teams. Opportunities have increased because of the growth of government and public recognition of the health benefits of sport and physical activity.
Your success and reputation will be measured by the performance of the individuals and teams you coach.
With experience and advanced qualifications you may be able to:
- become a coach development officer, helping County Sports Partnerships, local authorities and other bodies to develop the skills and qualifications of their individual coaches
- progress to a senior coaching post with a national team or NGB
- move into training, management or sports development – see the Sports Development Officer profile.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Leisure Jobs
Leisure Opportunities
lgjobs.com
jobswithballs.com
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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