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Event Manager (Sports)

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Primary Secondary Post-16

An Event Manager in sports is responsible for planning, organising, and delivering sporting events ranging from local tournaments to international competitions. The role involves coordinating with teams, venues, sponsors, and media to ensure events run smoothly and safely. Key duties include budgeting, marketing, managing logistics such as transport and accommodation, overseeing health and safety procedures, and handling unexpected issues on the day. Strong organisational, communication, and leadership skills are essential in this fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environment. Event Managers often work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, especially during event periods.

Event Manager (Sports)

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Event Managers in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year, with experienced professionals in major sporting events earning up to £60,000 or more.

Job Opportunities

There are approximately 8,000 to 10,000 sports event management positions across the UK, with demand rising during major events such as the Olympics or Commonwealth Games.

Growth Rate

The UK sports events sector has grown by approximately 5 percent annually over the past five years, reflecting increasing interest in live sporting events.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Football Matchday Operations Coordinator

Organises and manages all operational aspects of football matches, including security, ticketing, and logistics, ensuring matches run smoothly and safely.

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Athletics Tournament Planner

Plans and coordinates athletics tournaments, handling scheduling, venue preparation, and liaising with athletes and officials.

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Sports Sponsorship Events Executive

Develops and manages events around sports sponsorships, working with brands to deliver engaging activities and promotional opportunities at sporting events.

Gain Relevant Education

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve GCSEs, including English and Maths, to meet the entry requirements for further study.

Most sports event management roles require a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4-9, including English and Maths. Consider taking PE or Business Studies if available, as these subjects provide a good foundation for this field.

Pursue Further Qualifications

Take A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent courses in relevant subjects like Business, Sports Studies, or Event Management.

A-Levels in Business, PE, or Travel and Tourism, or a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Sport or Event Management, are all strong choices. Some colleges offer specific courses in sports management or event planning that can provide a head start.

Obtain a Degree or Higher Apprenticeship

Study for a degree in Sports Management, Event Management, or a related subject, or consider a higher apprenticeship in events.

University degrees in Sports Management, Event Management, or Business provide essential knowledge and open up networking opportunities. Alternatively, higher apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, gaining hands-on experience in the events sector.

Build Practical Experience

Get Involved in Volunteering

Volunteer at local sports events or with clubs to gain experience in organising and supporting events.

Local sports clubs, charity runs, or school competitions often need help with organising. Volunteering gives you a practical insight into how events are run and helps build a network of contacts in the sports industry.

Take on Internships or Part-Time Jobs

Secure internships or part-time roles with sports clubs, event companies, or local councils.

Many sports organisations offer summer internships or part-time roles in event support, administration, or marketing. These positions provide valuable experience and can sometimes lead to full-time employment.

Participate in Student Societies

Join or help run university or college sports societies to gain leadership and organisational skills.

Universities and colleges often have student-run sports clubs or societies. Volunteering for committee roles such as event coordinator or treasurer will help develop key skills like budgeting, logistics, and communication.

Develop Professional Skills and Network

Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Go to sports events, conferences, and networking sessions to meet professionals and learn about the industry.

Many organisations run events where you can meet industry professionals and learn about current trends in sports event management. These are excellent opportunities to find mentors and discover potential job openings.

Build a Professional Portfolio

Document your experiences, achievements, and successful events in a portfolio to show potential employers.

Keep records of your involvement in organising, promoting, or supporting events. Include photos, testimonials, and any press coverage. A strong portfolio demonstrates your capability and commitment to the sector.

Apply for Entry-Level Roles

Look for roles such as Events Assistant, Coordinator, or Junior Manager in sports organisations or event companies.

Entry-level positions help you learn the business from the ground up. With experience, you can progress to Event Manager roles, overseeing your own projects and teams.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

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

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

An Event Manager (Sports) shares similar responsibilities with an Events Manager, as both roles involve planning, organising, and overseeing events to ensure they run smoothly. The primary difference is the specific focus on sports events in the sports variant, but the core skills and qualifications are closely aligned.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

University

You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.

Relevant subjects include:

  • events management
  • marketing
  • communications
  • hospitality management
  • leisure and tourism
  • business management

University courses that include work placements will help you get practical experience and develop contacts in the industry.

Entry requirements

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

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College

You can gain relevant skills and knowledge that might help you get started in the industry by taking a course like:

  • event planning
  • event management
  • live events and promotion

Some travel and tourism courses may also include an events planning option.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do one of the following apprenticeships:

  • Event Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Hospitality Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced 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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Work

You could start as an admin assistant or marketing assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.

Conference management, marketing and public relations companies would be useful to work for.

Volunteering

Volunteer work as a crew member at large events or exhibitions can be a good way to get experience, build contacts in the industry and get to know about vacancies that go unadvertised.

To find volunteering opportunities:

  • follow conference and events organisations on social media
  • look out for news of events in your local area
  • search Do IT

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you can show you have experience of working in areas like public relations, marketing or hospitality.

More Information

Career tips

Employers will usually look for relevant experience and strong transferable skills, like organising, budget management and marketing.

You can get skills like these from working in industries, such as:

  • hotel conference and banqueting
  • travel
  • sales
  • PR
  • fundraising

Professional and industry bodies

You can find training opportunities and make industry contacts through organisations like:

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