Job Description

The role of a Sports development officer is to initiate and encourage behaviour change in local residents with regards to engagement in sport and physical activity across local communities.  They will distribute information and organise sport-related projects, classes, programmes, coaching, club development and training to encourage communities to participate in sport of all kinds, they will also address issues of health, crime and social inclusion.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by starting with an advanced apprenticeship as a community sport and health officer.

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

University

You'll find it useful to have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a related subject like:

• sports development
• sports coaching
• sports science

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

Click here to search for a suitable course.

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.

Career tips

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 confidence and may lead to getting professional coaching qualifications.

You'll need to pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults.

There's a lot of competition for jobs, so networking and making contacts will give you more chance of finding work.

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.

Career path and progression

You may be able to move into senior roles within the Sector – leading teams of people or specialising with certain populations, particular sports or programmes.

Required Skills

• Self-motivation and the ability to motivate others
• Able to make decisions under pressure
• Excellent communication skills
• Good project management abilities
• Negotiation skills
• Good organisation skills
• A practical commitment to sport and an in-depth knowledge of a particular sport or a range of sports
• The ability to build up good working relationships with client groups

Salary Range

£21,000 to £50,000