How to become Sports development officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
University
You'll find it useful to have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a related subject like:
- sports development or management
- sports coaching
- sports science
- leisure studies
It's important to get work experience in community sport during your studies as most employers expect this. Talk to your university careers service for help and advice on finding internship, year placement and volunteering opportunities.
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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College
You could take a course in college to give you some of the skills and knowledge to start out as a trainee in this role. Courses include:
- level 2 Qualification in Community Sports Leadership
- level 3 Certificate in Sports Development
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You can work towards this role by starting with an advanced apprenticeship as a community sport and health officer.
This typically takes around 16 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and study with a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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Volunteering
You can get useful experience by playing sports, volunteering as a coach, helping out on community and holiday sports schemes, or working with a local sports club.
This can help to build up your skills and confidence and may lead to getting professional coaching qualifications.
You can search for opportunities through:
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role, for example through coaching qualifications.
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Career tips
There's a lot of competition for jobs, so getting work experience and making contacts through networking will give you more chance of finding work.
Having experience of playing or coaching a range of sports can also be useful.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in sport from The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.
UK Coaching has more on how to get coaching qualifications in any sport.