Sport Coach
Sports coaches teach sports skills to individuals and teams of all abilities. You could work at a university, on a sports field, at a fitness centre, at a school or at a college.
Day-to-day Tasks
- plan fun, engaging coaching activities, sessions and programmes in a safe environment
- give feedback on performance and help to improve technique
- work with young people, schools, community groups and sports organisations to promote the sport
- design challenging and varied training programmes
- monitor the physical condition and mental attitude of the people you coach
- work with experts in sport like sports scientists, nutritionists, physiotherapists and programme managers
Skills and Knowledge
- leadership skills
- the ability to teach pupils how to do something
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
Industry Qualifications
You can get into this job through a university course or working towards this role
You can take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- sports coaching and development
- sports and exercise science
- sports studies
- physical education
If you're working in sport already, for example in a leisure centre, as a sports teacher or with a sports club, you can take a professional coaching qualification recognised by the national governing body for your sport.
You could get experience as an assistant sports coach by volunteering for a few hours a week with a club or amateur team. This is a common way to start a coaching career.