Overview of the sport sector in the UK

From professional sports teams to grassroots initiatives, the sports sector caters to individuals with varying skill sets and interests. Our guide provides a sector overview, highlighting key areas of employment, required skills, and future prospects

What areas of sport can I work in?

A significant part of the sports industry revolves around professional athletes who compete in national and international competitions. Clubs, franchises, and governing bodies players, medical staff and fitness trainers to support their teams.

Coaches and trainers play a crucial role in developing talent across all levels, from grassroots to elite sports. Opportunities exist in:

• independent academies
• professional clubs
• schools
• universities.

Sports medicine professionals are essential for maintaining athlete health and performance. Roles include:

• nutritionists
• physiotherapists
• sports psychologists.

These roles are found within:

• hospitals
• private practices
• sports clubs.

Government and non-profit organisations work to promote physical activity and inclusivity in sports. Community sports development officers, project coordinators, and outreach workers help drive participation at a local level.

When researching careers, you'll likely see some crossover with other sectors, such as:

• healthcare (sports physiotherapy)
• marketing (sponsorship coordination)
• media and internet (sport or travel journalism)
• retail (sportswear brands and merchandise sales)

Who are the main graduate employers?

Employers in the industry can be found across different sectors. Some of the key organisations include:

• professional sports clubs and governing bodies - Premier League football clubs, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the Rugby Football Union (RFU), and the British Olympic Association.
• broadcasters and media companies - Sky Sports, BBC Sport, BT Sport, and The Athletic.
• sports retail companies - Nike, Adidas, Puma, and JD Sports.
• health and fitness organisations - UK Sport, Sport England, and private fitness chains such as PureGym and David Lloyd Clubs.
• educational institutions - universities and colleges offering sports coaching, management, and medical roles.
• local authorities and community sports projects - councils, charities, and non-government organisations (NGOs) promoting sports development at grassroots levels.

What's it like to work in the sports industry?

The sector is fast-paced, requiring professionals to be adaptable and passionate about their roles. Many positions, particularly in coaching, events management, and media, involve irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, due to match schedules, training sessions, and live broadcasts.

For those working directly with athletes, such as coaches, physiotherapists, and trainers, the job can be highly rewarding but also physically and mentally demanding. It often involves travel and working under pressure to optimise performance and prevent injuries.

In media and broadcasting, professionals must keep up with the latest trends, provide timely coverage, and engage audiences through various digital platforms. Those in marketing and sponsorship roles work closely with brands and stakeholders to develop commercial strategies that enhance revenue and fan engagement.

While competition for jobs can be high, networking and gaining experience through internships, volunteering, and certifications can significantly improve career prospects.

For details on salaries, skills, and applying for jobs, see sports graduate jobs.

What qualifications do I need?

The qualifications needed to work in the sports industry vary depending on the specific career path. Below are some of the key qualifications relevant to different sectors:

• Grassroots and community sports development - a BSc in sports development, social work, or public health and certifications in safeguarding and child protection and first aid.
• Physiotherapy - degrees in physiotherapy, sports therapy, or medicine (BSc, MSc, or MBBS) and certifications from the Health and Care Professions Council HCPC or British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accreditation.
• Professional sports and coaching - Bachelors or Masters in sports science or sports coaching and certifications in FA Coaching Badges (for football), UK Athletics Coaching Awards, Rugby Coaching Certificates.
• Sports management - degrees in business administration or sports management and certifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) for sports marketing or event planning.

For more details on qualifications, see sports coaching courses. You can also explore how to become a sport psychologist.

What skills do employers look for in the sports industry?

Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, are crucial in almost every role. Technical expertise also plays a crucial part in succeeding in the sports industry.

Here's a breakdown of technical skills you may need depending on your role:

• gait and motion analysis - assessing movement efficiency using force plates, pressure sensors, and 3D motion capture.
• injury prevention techniques - expertise in movement screening, rehabilitation exercises, and sports taping methods.
• performance data analysis - using player tracking and analytics.
• public health and safeguarding compliance - understanding safeguarding policies, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and risk assessments.
• wearable technology and sensors - experience with GPS tracking devices, heart rate monitors, and force measurement tools.

Find out more about what skills employers want.

Where can I get work experience in the sports sector?

To gain practical experience and boost your employability, consider:

• coaching placements
• internships
• volunteering.

If you're aiming to become a sports coach, assisting an experienced coach is a great starting point, as suggested by UK Coaching. You can also find local sports clubs through County Sports Partnerships (CSPs) in England.

Kings Recruit and Challenger Sports offer placements and volunteer opportunities in various areas like sports management, coaching, holiday camps, and even cruise ships. They specifically recruit individuals from the UK who are passionate about pursuing a coaching career.

For broader experience, try Do-it, an organisation which advertises volunteer roles including outdoor activities, fundraising, sports coaching, and activity management.

For more information on employability, see sports graduate jobs.

How much will I earn working in the sports sector?

Earnings in the sports sector vary dramatically based on factors like:

• education
• experience
• the specific role.

For instance, entry-level positions like groundskeepers may have lower earnings, in the range of £9,000 to £29,000 per year.

A sports development officer might begin with a salary of £21,000 to £23,000, potentially rising to £30,000 with experience, and a sports development manager could earn up to £40,000. Roles like financial managers within sports organisations can earn significantly higher salaries, averaging around £66,000.

Professional athletes have a range of earnings that can skew the average salary. The highest level of professional sports players can earn millions of pounds per year, while lower-level professional athletes may earn very little and supplement their salary with other work.

What trends are emerging in the sector?

The UK sports industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability and diversity.

Technology is revolutionising how sports are played, analysed, and consumed. The rise of sports analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) driven performance tracking, and virtual reality (VR) training is creating new job opportunities in fields like:

• biomechanics
• data science
• software development.

Women's sports in the UK are experiencing unprecedented growth, leading to increased opportunities in coaching, broadcasting, and sponsorship. The £30million investment by the FA in grassroots women's football has directly fuelled more coaching and development roles.

Finally, the industry is embracing sustainability, shifting towards eco-friendly stadiums, carbon reduction initiatives, and sustainable sportswear manufacturing.

With over 70% of UK sports organisations committing to reducing their carbon footprint by 2030, careers in sustainability consulting and green facility management are emerging, creating a demand for professionals who can implement environmental strategies within sports venues.

Find out more

• Discover what's on offer in the leisure and tourism sector.
• Explore our sport job profiles.