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Sports Coach

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A sports coach is responsible for training and developing athletes or teams, helping them to improve their skills, fitness, and performance. In the UK, sports coaches work in a variety of settings including schools, sports clubs, local authorities, and private organisations. The role involves planning and delivering training sessions, providing feedback, and sometimes managing competitions or matches. Coaches need strong communication and leadership skills, as well as a good understanding of the sport they specialise in. Qualifications such as recognised coaching awards from national governing bodies are often required. The job can be rewarding for those who enjoy working with people and have a passion for sport and physical activity.

Sports Coach

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Sports coaches in the UK typically earn between £15,000 and £35,000 per year, depending on experience and the level at which they coach.

Employment Numbers

There are over 300,000 people working as sports coaches, instructors, and officials across the UK.

Job Growth

The demand for sports coaches is expected to grow, especially as schools and communities invest more in physical education and youth activities.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Football Coach

Supports and develops the skills of individuals and teams in football, focusing on tactics, fitness, and teamwork.

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Tennis Instructor

Teaches tennis techniques and strategies to players of different ages and skill levels, often both individually and in groups.

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Youth Athletics Coach

Works with children and teenagers to improve performance in track and field events, emphasising safe training and personal development.

Gain Knowledge and Experience in Sport

Participate in Sports Regularly

Get involved in your chosen sport through clubs, school teams, or local groups.

Taking part in your sport helps you understand the rules, techniques, and teamwork required. It is also a great way to meet coaches and other athletes, helping you build your network and gain insights into the sport from a participant’s perspective.

Learn from Existing Coaches

Observe and speak with current coaches to learn about coaching styles and methods.

Volunteering as an assistant or shadowing a coach can provide valuable experience. Ask questions about their approach to training, motivation, and discipline. This will help you understand the day-to-day realities of coaching and pick up tips for your own coaching journey.

Achieve Relevant Qualifications

Complete Coaching Courses

Take a recognised coaching qualification in your chosen sport, such as those offered by national governing bodies.

Most sports have official coaching pathways, such as the Football Association for football or England Athletics for athletics. These courses cover everything from basic coaching principles to safeguarding and first aid. Progress through different levels as you gain more experience and responsibility.

Gain First Aid and Safeguarding Certificates

Obtain first aid and safeguarding qualifications to ensure the safety and welfare of athletes.

Many coaching roles require you to have up-to-date first aid training and an understanding of safeguarding policies to protect young people and vulnerable adults. Courses are widely available online or through sports organisations.

Start Coaching and Build Your Career

Gain Practical Coaching Experience

Begin coaching at local clubs, schools, or community centres to build your skills and confidence.

Look for entry-level opportunities such as coaching youth teams, assisting with holiday sports camps, or running after-school clubs. This experience will help you develop your communication, leadership, and organisational skills, all of which are essential for a successful coaching career.

Progress to Higher Levels

Move into more advanced coaching roles with older or more competitive teams as you gain experience.

As you build your reputation and qualifications, you can apply for roles with clubs, academies, or even professional teams. Consider specialising in areas like strength and conditioning, performance analysis, or talent development to further your career options.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Sports Coach. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A football coach shares similar qualifications to a sports coach, as both involve training athletes, developing athletic skills, and understanding sports techniques. The role typically requires knowledge of the sport, tactical planning, and player development, aligning closely with the qualifications of a general sports coach.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • specialist courses run by a professional body

University

You could study for a foundation degree or degree in a subject like:

  • football coaching and development
  • coaching science
  • coaching and performance

There are also undergraduate and postgraduate courses that combine football coaching with other subjects, such as:

  • sports business
  • management
  • talent development

You'll usually need some experience in coaching to apply for a postgraduate course.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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College

You could do a college course, which could help you to get started in football coaching.

Courses include:

  • sports coaching
  • sport - football coaching
  • UEFA C Licence (this used to be called the FA Level 2 Coaching award)

If you hold a UEFA coaching licence, you could do a course in coaching game based football.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on a Community Activator Coach Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or the Sports Coach Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

These typically take 1 year and 6 months to complete and are a mix of workplace learning and study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Volunteering

You can start as a volunteer at your local amateur football club. This will help to build up your experience and could lead onto training for coaching qualifications.

You can contact your county football association to learn more about volunteering opportunities.

You can also do online introductory courses while volunteering, through England Football Learning. These include:

Other Routes

If you're currently coaching a football team, you could apply to do a coaching course or licence.

These start at foundation level and UEFA C Licence, and go up to UEFA Pro Licence aimed at coaches working in professional football.

You can also do courses which cover different age groups, abilities and types of football, such as futsal.

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Career tips

Many paid coaching positions are part time, so the salary will reflect that. Salaries for coaches in English professional football are much higher than for those working in education, the community and for smaller football clubs.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in football coaching through England Football Learning and UK Coaching.

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