As an apprentice sports development officer, you will ensure that all community members can participate in sports by telling them about various events and where they may become involved.
You will be in charge of information dissemination and the organisation of sports-related initiatives, courses, programmes, coaching, club development, and training. You should also target those who want to join just for fun and those who want to compete at all levels, from local to national to international.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- find and train staff, coaches and volunteers for projects
- promote and run projects and activities
- monitor and evaluate projects
- find funding, manage resources and budgets
- put local and national policies into practice
- attend meetings, seminars and conferences
- coach or supervise sports activities.
Salary
- Starting as an apprentice sports development officer, you can expect £18,000.
- Typical starting salaries for qualified sports development officers are around £18,000, rising to £30,000 with experience.
- A sports development manager can earn up to £40,000.
Working hours
A willingness to work flexible, unsocial hours, including weekends and school holidays, is essential. Working hours can include evening meetings and occasional absence from home.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve on a sports development officer apprenticeship include:
- Level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer – Entry requirements for this level include 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
This typically takes around 16 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and study with a college or training provider.
Skills
On on a sports development officer apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- sensitivity and understanding
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work on your own
- knowledge of English language
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently.
Employers
The ongoing expansion of sports development programmes has led to an increase in the number of sports development managers working in various settings.
Local governments are the principal employers, providing general, community, and specialised employment for assistants, officers, and managers.
Several schools and universities employ sports development officers to preserve and improve student and community engagement in sports.
National governing organisations and sports councils are also major recruiters.
Professional development
Training may be offered on the job, but there are also various external sports development training courses accessible. Search PD:Portal for courses.
CIMSPA offers a wide range of training courses on fitness management and health and safety. In addition, CIMSPA assists its members with continuing professional development (CPD), which is essential in the workplace. A professional development framework available allows you to monitor your CPD and identify areas for improvement.
UK Coaching offers training on themes such as sports coach protection and mentorship.
Career prospects
Working in a general role may lead to team and department management, as well as a promoted partnership or sport-specific jobs, often within a local government framework.
Sport officials may rise to management or policy and strategy roles via local governments, sport NGBs, or organisations like Sport England.
You might be a sports and leisure contractor or work in health and fitness programme management.
Community-related roles within local governments, regeneration programmes, active schools, and health education initiatives are among more avenues for promotion.
Advancement in management may entail taking on a broader assignment, such as culture and sport, once in a large organisation, such as a local government.