Working in sport and leisure

This industry is all about people enjoying sport, keeping fit and improving their health and fitness.

Jobs in this sector can be in professional sport, either playing or coaching at different levels. Alternatively, you could work in health promotion through sport and the study of sports science, or perhaps take a fitness role in a gym delivering group or one-to-one training sessions and exercise classes.

Skills match quiz

Is a career in this area a good match for you?

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What can I do now?

Choosing the right qualifications to help set you on the right track is really important. You may have taken GCSEs, BTECs or A Levels or a mix of all three to achieve your goals whether that's to get straight into work or an apprenticeship or go on to higher education.

We've included information below to help you see where your qualifications could take you.

Taking a vocational route in Sport?

If you’re studying BTEC or thinking about it you’re in good company. Here’s what two BTEC students have to say about a career in sport and BTEC.

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Max Whitlock MBE

Double Olympic gold medalist.

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By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Yvan Zahui

Personal trainer to beginner and elite athletes.

Explore where your qualifications can take you

with Level 2 qualifications such as BTECs or GCSEs

Explore entry level roles to get you into the workplace and your career up and running.

with Level 3 qualifications such as BTECs or A levels

Find out about the higher level roles your Level 3 qualifications will help you attain.

with Level 4 and upwards such as a degree or HND

With a degree or HND you are likely to be able to start your career at a more senior level - explore your options.

Career maps

View and download career maps explaining the different sorts of jobs in the sport sector and what qualifications are required for each role.

Sport

Employer case study

Hyun-Ju Lee

"People with qualifications to teach different types of classes are much more likely to get the job. We have a big range of classes on offer here, so that’s a real selling point for the club..."

Find out more

Future careers

Sports are becoming more international, so top coaches can work abroad and there are many leisure opportunities on cruise ships and at international holiday centres.

Health education and healthy lifestyles are increasingly popular and important to people, so there is likely to be more demand for personal trainers and fitness instructors.

Things to consider

Some leisure jobs are seasonal.
You are there to help people enjoy their day out or sports activity. Customer service is part of every job.
To coach a sport or activity, you need to reach a high level yourself.

Useful links

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