The realm of sports and athletics is a world of passion, dedication, and exhilaration, where the thrill of competition meets the unity of teamwork. Beyond the crowd’s cheers and the glory of victory, this vibrant industry offers a diverse spectrum of career possibilities for athletes and sports lovers alike.
These career paths are presently explored by over 155,000 youths in the UK with over 85% of children aspiring to these careers as well. Whether you’re a budding athlete with dreams of making it to the professional stage or an ardent sports enthusiast eager to turn your passion into a profession, there are countless avenues awaiting exploration within the sports industry.
Learning about what you need to be in line with your aspirations is one of the first steps. You can enrol in courses or work at sports facilities in your neighbourhood to get more familiar with all you can do as a sports lover. Here, we will discuss the top 10 careers you can choose as an athlete or a sports lover, alongside their salary expectations from Paycale and Glassdoor. So, let’s get right to it.
Average Salary: £24,000
Starting Salary: £19,000
Highest Salary: £29,000
Are you passionate about fitness and eager to help others achieve their health goals? A career in personal training may be your calling!
This rewarding profession allows you to contribute directly to someone’s personal health journey and positively influence their athletic performance. Let’s dive into what it takes to start a career as a personal trainer.
The first step is to obtain the necessary personal training qualifications. Many personal trainers kickstart their careers by earning a certification from a recognized organization.
This typically involves enrolling in a comprehensive training course on exercise science, nutrition, fitness assessment, and program design.
As a personal trainer, you become integral to your client’s fitness routine. Your expertise helps everyday clients and can be invaluable to sports professionals.
From injury recovery to strength conditioning, your work contributes to the performance and longevity of athletes’ careers. You hold the potential to guide individuals toward a healthier lifestyle and peak performance in their chosen sport, making it a deeply satisfying and impactful career choice.
Average Salary: £33,000
Starting Salary: £26,000
Highest Salary: £41,000
The role of a sports manager is to oversee the administration and operations of sports organisations. This often includes managing budgets, marketing, and logistics.
You can start the journey to sports management with an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any relevant niche. You can get a marketing or finance degree or a degree in sports management to help you prepare for any sports management field you find yourself in.
Average Salary: £40,000
Starting Salary: £35,000
Highest Salary: £47,000
A sports nutritionist is a professional who helps athletes optimise their performance by providing nutrition guidance and meal plans tailored to their needs.
Usually, a degree in food and nutrition or biochemistry is a requirement to start a career. Having practical knowledge will also bolster your career, especially in the early stages. With Futurefit’s nutrition courses, you can learn the basics required to become a sports nutritionist.
Average Salary: £50,000
Starting Salary: £30,000
Highest Salary: £93,000
A fitness trainer works with athletes to improve their physical fitness, strength, and conditioning.
Oftentimes, you can become a fitness trainer by turning your passion for sports and fitness into a profession. You can also get into it through a certification or apprenticeship. A Level 2 qualification in personal training is a great qualification to have.
Average Salary: £36,000
Starting Salary: £28,000
Highest Salary: £46,000
While athletes shine under the stadium lights, a team of professionals works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything from events to organizations operates smoothly. A crucial sector relating to sports encompasses Sports Management and Sports Event Planning and Coordination. Individuals in these roles are the strategic minds orchestrating major sporting events, managing teams, and running athletic programs.
In sports management, professionals oversee the business operations of sports teams and facilities. They negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and foster relationships with stakeholders. Sports event planners and coordinators, on the other hand, focus on the logistical side of sports, handling the nitty-gritty details that make for a successful sporting event, such as scheduling, staffing, and compliance with safety regulations.
To thrive in sports management and administration, a strong foundation in business principles is essential. Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in sports management, business, or a related field. Advanced degrees are increasingly sought-after, with an MBA or master’s degree in sports management being particularly beneficial. Coupled with industry experience—which can be gained through internships or entry-level roles—education forms the bedrock of a successful career in this field.
The demand for skilled sports managers is on the rise both in the UK and around the world. The global sports market is expanding, and with it, the need for professional management. This surge is driven by the increasing commercialization of sports, technological advancements, and the ever-growing public interest in health and fitness. As a result, those with the right mix of education, experience, and passion for sports find a wealth of opportunities waiting for them in sports management and administration.
Average Salary: £42,000
Starting Salary: £30,000
Highest Salary: £61,000
A massage therapist is a skilled professional whose primary goal is to assess the sports client’s needs, whether it’s relief from muscle tension, stress reduction, or addressing specific health issues, and tailor a massage session to meet those needs.
You don’t need a degree to be a massage therapist but practical skills and a proven track record are essential. Some employers will also require you to have a professional certification. The Future Fit Sports massage qualification is a good place to start.
Average Salary: £26,000
Starting Salary: £22,000
Highest Salary: £30,000
There are numerous educational routes available, each tailored to the diverse careers related to sports, such as access courses. Here we examine one fundamental pathway: becoming a physical education teacher.
Physical education (PE) teachers play a pivotal role in schools, driving the physical development and fitness education of students. To embark upon this rewarding career, individuals must pursue a comprehensive educational and training program.
To become a PE teacher, one typically needs a bachelor’s degree in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field. Furthermore, state certification or licensing is required for those wishing to teach in public schools. This usually involves completing a teacher preparation program and passing relevant exams. Gaining experience through student-teaching internships also proves invaluable.
Physical education is fundamental not only to students’ physical health but also to their mental and emotional well-being. PE teachers encourage students to develop good exercise habits, understand the value of teamwork, and grow their self-esteem through physical achievements. The lessons learned in physical education can set the groundwork for a lifetime of fitness and personal development.
Average Salary: £37,000
Starting Salary: £23,000
Highest Salary: £41,000
If you are interested in sports equipment, consider a career in sales and marketing for sports equipment companies. With sufficient resources, you can also start a store for sports equipment.
The most important skill you need for this job is selling. As an entrepreneur in the field, other another concern will be to think of ways to grow and manage your business.
Average Salary: £56,700
Starting Salary: £25,500
Highest Salary: £150,000
A professional job is to specialise in sports law, dealing with legal issues related to contracts, intellectual property, and athlete representation.
Though you can choose to specialise in sports law, it is not mandatory, but you must be a professional in whatever law field you practice. You need to have a law degree and a strong law knowledge. Your career is dependent on this, and so are your clients.
As a sports photographer, you capture the excitement of sports events through photography or videography. These professionals provide visual coverage of games, matches, and athletes. It is a strong genre of photography and an essential part of sports to capture the wins, losses, and emotions.
This job title often includes capturing, editing, compilation, and sports journalism.
To become a sports photographer, start by taking a photography class; many free courses and certifications are available to start. In our digital world, you can create your photo and video portfolio with your mobile phone.
You can also find an internship to build practical knowledge and buy gear. The tools and gears needed to start documenting sports through photography and journalism are usually very expensive, so joining a company might be the better option.
The sports world offers a multitude of exciting paths. Whether you aspire to be a pro athlete, coach, marketer, or sports medicine expert, your passion for the game is your greatest asset.
Remember that success in this field requires dedication, skills, and adaptability. Embrace opportunities, learn from mentors, and stay focused on your goals. Challenges may arise, but you can turn your passion into a fulfilling career with determination.