A Guide to How You Can Become a Sports Coach

Do you dream of becoming a personal trainer, sports coach or maybe even a football coach?

A career as a sports coach offers a uniquely rewarding path, where you can combine your passion for sports with the profound impact of mentorship. The UK sports coaching industry is expected to grow by 7% in the next 3-5 years, so if you want to get your foot in the door of an exciting industry with many varied opportunities, a career as a sports coach might just be for you.  

Read on to discover how you can become a sports coach.

What is a sports coach?

A sports coach is a professional who guides and trains athletes to help them improve their performance and achieve their goals. 

The responsibilities of a sports coach may include:

• Planning training sessions
• Supporting technique development 
• Analysing performance
• Motivating and inspiring athletes
• Managing team dynamics
• Providing feedback

What makes a good sports coach?

Good sports coaches are excellent communicators, motivators, and organisers. They possess strong sport knowledge, analyse performance effectively and adapt to individual needs.  

Empathy, a positive attitude and the ability to inspire are crucial for success. Ultimately, they empower athletes to reach their full potential, both on and off the field, fostering a positive and supportive environment for growth.

What are the benefits of being a sports coach?

The benefits of being a sports coach are numerous and varied. Beyond the satisfaction of helping athletes achieve their goals, coaching offers the chance to make a real difference in the lives of athletes!

The sports industry itself is growing, offering potential for career advancement and specialisation. And depending on the level and type of coaching, there can be great financial rewards, with potential for increased earnings as experience and reputation grow. 

What qualifications do I need to be a sports coach?

There are no specific qualifications required to become a sports coach in the UK, however, having relevant qualifications and certifications is highly beneficial and often expected by employers.

If you want to stand out from the crowd and prove you have the necessary skills, a qualification in sports coaching is the way to go. If you want to become a PE teacher and work with young people, you will need a qualification to ensure you meet the legal employment criteria for teaching. 

Sport coaching salaries

The average sports coach makes a salary of £25,000-£27,000 in the UK. This can vary depending on experience and the coaching career path you take. 

Career paths for sports coaches

There are many different avenues you can take in the sports and fitness industry. A sports coaching qualification can open doors to the following careers:

• Sports coach
• Personal trainer
• Fitness centre manager
• PE teacher
• Head coach
• Sports consultant
• Talent scout
• Sports physiotherapist
• Sports event coordinator

Is it worth doing a degree in sports coaching?

Embarking on a degree in sports coaching could be your gateway to a world of endless opportunities and success. 

Although you aren’t required to have a degree to enter the industry, a degree can give you the expertise, knowledge and skills you need to get a leg up in the industry and have a standout CV. 

A formal degree equips you with in-depth knowledge of coaching techniques and you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the techniques involved in bringing out the best in athletes.

So, is it worth doing a degree in sports coaching? 

Absolutely! Discover your potential and set yourself on the path to a successful and fulfilling career in the world of sports coaching.

What’s the difference between a sports coach and a personal trainer?

A sports coach works with athletes, teams, or groups to improve performance in a specific sport. They focus on skill development, strategy and overall athletic conditioning related to that sport. However, as a sports coach, you can also become a personal trainer. 

A personal trainer works one-on-one or with small groups, often in a gym setting. Their primary goal is to help clients achieve general fitness goals like weight loss, muscle gain, or improved overall health.  

Personal trainers create customised workout plans and provide motivation and guidance on exercise technique and nutrition. Sports coaches specialise in enhancing athletic performance within a sport, while personal trainers focus on overall fitness and well-being. 

Study sports coaching in Manchester

At UCEN Manchester, we offer courses including Sports Coach and School Sport BSc (Hons) (Top-Up) and Community Coaching for England (HNC) as we believe in nurturing talent and igniting potential. Our sports coaching foundation degree is carefully curated to equip you with the essential knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to excel in this exhilarating field, covering many subject areas. We also have excellent sports facilities to help nurture talent.  

Led by industry experts and renowned coaches, our curriculum blends academic excellence with practical learning, empowering you to become a well-rounded and competent sports coach. 

Learn more about our Sports and Exercise Science courses and apply today to begin your dream career.