How to become Athlete
You can get into this career through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- a sports development programme
University
You can apply to do a course at university in the usual way through UCAS and join your university’s athletics performance programme, where one is available.
You may be able to apply for a university sports scholarship, if you’ve competed at club, regional or national level and have shown the potential to go further.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a sports related apprenticeship, which would allow you to develop your athletics career while gaining skills to work in the sport and leisure industry.
Apprenticeships include:
- Community Activator Coach Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Community Sport and Health Officer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Other Routes
The first step to becoming a professional athlete is to join an athletics club. You would work with qualified coaches to develop your skills and compete at a level appropriate to your age and stage of development.
There are several athletics programmes that support individuals to achieve their potential.
The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme allows you to study for a qualification at college or university, while you continue your sporting development. You must be 16 or over, and be performing at a high level. You are nominated for a place by UK Athletics, the national governing body.
You may be able to join the Para Academy, if you have the potential to compete at national and international paralympic level.
England Athletics has more information on pathways from junior and youth programmes through to senior and world class levels.
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Career tips
You are likely to travel a lot to compete in athletics events, including overseas for international championships.
Further information
You can get more details about how to become an athlete from British Athletics and UK Athletics.