Sport & Recreation

We’re going to let you into a secret: you don’t have to be a superstar footballer with a life-sized statue of yourself in your living room to have a career in the sport and recreation sector. Neither do you have to be Kelly Holmes, Lewis Hamilton or Johnny Wilkinson. We’re not just talking about working as a P.E. teacher or leisure centre manager either.

So what do you need to work in this sector? The essential thing is that you have a genuine interest in sport and are able to demonstrate your enthusiasm, beyond watching it on TV. This is a highly competitive business (and not just on the field), so you’ll have to be ambitious and driven if you want to go far.

Sport is getting way more hi-tech and athletes are developing a bit of an entourage. They now depend on a complex support infrastructure. Behind-the-scenes staff, such as coaches, physical trainers, medical staff, sports agents and referees, are vital. These professions all require training and dedication. Believe it or not, those guys with the ‘magic’ spray are actually highly-trained medical professionals.

You could also get into sports venue or events management (you could help organise the Ryder Cup or Wimbledon) or you could work for a sporting goods or equipment company. Alternatively, if you’re hankering after something that places you at the heart of the community, you could get into sports development or teaching.

Love your football club, but you’re no star striker? You still can play for your favourite club…just off the pitch! Football clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea are huge businesses, requiring people to work in marketing, accountancy, hospitality and I.T. amongst other things.

Most sports are effectively forms of entertainment (ok, you might not be thinking that if your club has just been relegated). Like any other form of entertainment, the fans need a way to watch and interact with the sports they love. This is where sports broadcasting and journalism really comes off the bench and makes an impact!

Another area of the sport and recreation sector is gambling. There has been a major boost in the popularity of gaming and gambling recently (especially online) and consequently there has been a noticeable increase in the number of job opportunities. It isn’t just Ray ‘geezzaaar’ Winstone reaping in the financial rewards for his excruciating betting ads.

What we’re really trying to say is that if you’ve got a passion for sport, there are a range of careers available that will suit your skills, whatever they may be.