How to become
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- being spotted in amateur sport by a talent scout
- sponsorship or a scholarship scheme
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a Sporting Excellence Professional Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in one of the following sports:
- cricket
- equestrian
- football
- rugby league
- rugby union
These apprenticeships give talented amateur sports players the chance to develop their sporting skills alongside their education.
Once you've completed your apprenticeship, you may be able to turn professional or continue as an amateur while you get more experience.
You can find out more about this route from the professional body for each sport.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
Other Routes
The route to becoming a professional varies from sport to sport.
Typically, you'll start by joining a club, academy or amateur organisation, such as an athletics club, where you can train, get coaching and compete individually or in a team.
Most sports professionals are spotted early on by coaches and talent scouts at this stage.
In some sports you may be able to get financial and other help to develop your career, whilst continuing with your education. For example, through the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme.
Your sport's National Governing Body (NGB) is the best place to get details of clubs in your local area, and information on schemes that can help you to get ahead in your chosen sport.
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Career tips
Salaries vary widely and depend on a number of factors, including:
- type of contract
- sponsorship
- performance bonuses
- competition results
- the sport's prominence and coverage
Professional sports careers can be relatively short, so it's useful to plan ahead for what you'll do when you retire from competing professionally.
Further information
You can get more details on what it takes to become a professional sportsperson from Sport England.