Sports Coach

What is the work like?

Sports coaches teach sports skills and techniques to individuals and teams of all abilities, from 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 tasks would include:

• planning structured training programmes
• running training sessions
• giving feedback on performance
• monitoring the physical condition and mental attitude of participants
• developing players into effective teams
• attending competitions and events with participants.

Only a few sports coaches are full-time – most are part-time or 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 will need a coaching qualification which is recognised by the national governing body (NGB) for your sport. You can gain these qualifications in either of the following ways:

• directly through the NGBs
• 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 complete them as short, full-time courses, part-time, or by distance learning. Visit the Sport England website for NGB contact details.

You will need to show that you have practical coaching skills – you will usually find plenty of opportunities to get involved in local clubs and sporting activities on a voluntary basis. Visit the Sport England website for contact details.

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 details of foundation degree, HND and degrees courses see the UCAS website. Please check with course providers 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.

What further training and development can I do?

Once you have the basic coaching qualifications required by the NGB for your sport, you can go on to take more advanced qualifications.

Some qualifications have been accredited for the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC), which is a framework of nationally recognised and transferable coaching qualifications. 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?

If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form

Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice