How to Become a Sports Coach
Do you dream of becoming a personal trainer, sports coach or maybe even a football coach?
The UK sports coaching industry is valued at £9-10 billion, so if you want to get your foot in the door of a lucrative 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 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 £18,000-£28,000 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.
Where to study a sport coaching course
At UCEN Manchester, we offer the courses 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.
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 enrol today to begin your dream career.
