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Event Manager (Sports)

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A sports event manager is responsible for planning, organising, and delivering sporting events, from local matches to international tournaments. This role involves coordinating with teams, venues, sponsors, and service providers to ensure events run smoothly and safely. Tasks include managing budgets, overseeing marketing and ticket sales, arranging logistics such as accommodation and transport, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Event managers need strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure, especially as events approach. It is a varied career, often involving evening and weekend work to fit around sporting schedules.

Event Manager (Sports)

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Sports event managers in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £60,000 or more.

Job Opportunities

There are approximately 10,000 to 15,000 event management positions in the UK, with sports event management representing a growing segment, particularly around major tournaments and local sports leagues.

Industry Growth

The UK sports events industry contributes over £39 billion to the economy each year, making it a significant area for employment and development.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Football Tournament Coordinator

Organises and manages football tournaments, ensuring all logistics such as fixtures, venues, and teams are properly handled.

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Sports Hospitality Manager

Focuses on managing hospitality services at sporting events, ensuring guests and VIPs have an excellent experience.

Athletics Meet Operations Officer

Oversees the operational aspects of athletics meets, including scheduling, equipment, and coordination with officials and athletes.

Gain Relevant Education

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve good GCSEs, especially in English and Maths, to set a strong foundation.

Sports Event Managers need strong communication and organisational skills, which are developed through core subjects like English and Maths. Good grades will help you access further study or apprenticeship routes.

Pursue Further Qualifications

Consider A levels or BTECs in subjects such as Business, Sports Studies, or Hospitality.

Relevant Level 3 qualifications can boost your knowledge of business principles, sports industry insights, and customer service. Some colleges offer specific courses in Event Management or Sport Management.

Obtain a Degree or Apprenticeship

Study for a degree in Event Management, Sports Management, or Hospitality, or undertake a related apprenticeship.

Many universities offer degrees in Event or Sports Management, which include placements and modules directly related to sports events. Alternatively, an apprenticeship in event management allows you to earn while you learn, gaining practical experience.

Build Practical Experience

Volunteer at Local Sporting Events

Gain hands-on experience by helping out at school, community, or amateur sports events.

Volunteering provides invaluable insight into how sports events are organised and managed. It is a great way to build contacts, learn about logistics, and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.

Secure Work Placements or Internships

Apply for internships or work placements with sports clubs, stadiums, or event management companies.

Many organisations offer short-term placements during busy periods, such as football seasons or national tournaments. These experiences can help you develop relevant skills and improve your CV.

Develop Professional Skills and Network

Strengthen Key Skills

Work on essential skills such as communication, organisation, time management, and problem-solving.

Sports event managers must coordinate various teams, deal with unexpected problems, and ensure deadlines are met. Attend workshops or online courses to boost your skills and stay updated with industry trends.

Network in the Sports Industry

Attend industry events, join professional bodies, and connect with others in the field.

Building a professional network can lead to job opportunities and collaborations. Organisations such as the UK Event Managers Association offer events and resources for young professionals.

Apply for Entry-Level Positions

Look for roles such as Event Assistant or Junior Event Coordinator to start your career.

Entry-level positions will help you gain deeper experience and responsibility. With time, you can progress to more senior event management roles within sports organisations.

🎯 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.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

The role of an Event Manager (Sports) closely aligns with an Events manager, as both require planning, coordinating, and executing sporting or other large-scale events. They share skills in project management, logistics, vendor relationships, and ensuring the successful delivery of events within set budgets and timelines.

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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