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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 ranging from local tournaments to international competitions. This role involves coordinating logistics, such as venues, equipment, staffing, ticketing, and marketing, as well as ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Event Managers work closely with sports clubs, sponsors, athletes, and governing bodies to ensure a smooth and successful event. This career requires excellent organisational skills, the ability to work under pressure, and strong communication abilities. Work can be varied and sometimes requires evening or weekend hours, especially during events.

Event Manager (Sports)

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Event Managers in sports typically earn between £22,000 and £45,000 per year, with senior roles or those at major events earning upwards of £50,000.

Number of Positions

There are over 5,000 sports event management roles across the UK, with opportunities growing around major sports cities and national organisations.

Job Growth

The sports events sector is expected to grow by around 7 percent over the next five years in the UK, especially with the rise of new sporting events and venues.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Football Tournament Coordinator

Organises and manages football competitions, handling logistics, scheduling, and team liaison for local or regional events.

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Athletics Meet Organiser

Plans and delivers athletics events such as track and field meets, ensuring smooth operation and compliance with sporting regulations.

Community Sports Festival Planner

Coordinates sports festivals for the local community, bringing together different sports, activities, and entertainment for participants and spectators.

Gain Relevant Education

Study Core Subjects

Take GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, focusing on subjects such as English, Maths, Business Studies, or Physical Education.

Good grades in these subjects will help you build a strong foundation for future study and demonstrate valuable skills like communication and numeracy. Business and PE are especially useful as they relate directly to event organisation and the sports industry.

Pursue Further Education

Consider A-levels or a Level 3 BTEC in subjects like Business, Sports Studies, or Event Management.

A-levels or equivalent vocational qualifications can improve your chances of entering university or higher apprenticeships. Relevant courses will introduce you to key aspects of event planning and the sports sector.

Complete a Degree or Apprenticeship

Apply for a university degree in Event Management, Sports Management, or a related field. Alternatively, look for a higher apprenticeship in events or sports administration.

Many employers look for candidates with a degree or equivalent experience. University courses typically include placements and projects, whilst apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and a salary at the same time.

Build Work Experience

Volunteer at Local Events

Gain experience by volunteering at sports events, local clubs, or community projects.

Volunteering helps you understand how events are run and gives you practical skills in teamwork, organisation, and problem-solving. Roles might include helping with registration, logistics, or publicity.

Apply for Internships

Look for internships or work placements with sports clubs, event companies, or local councils.

Internships provide hands-on experience and can help you build a network of contacts in the industry. Tasks may involve supporting event setup, marketing, or liaising with sponsors and suppliers.

Work Part-Time in the Industry

Take on part-time or seasonal jobs related to sports or events, such as stewarding, hospitality, or administration.

Even short-term roles offer valuable insights into the fast-paced environment of event management and can give you transferrable skills like customer service and crisis management.

Develop Professional Skills

Gain Industry Certifications

Complete relevant short courses and training, such as First Aid, Health and Safety, or Event Planning certificates.

Certifications demonstrate your commitment to the profession and ensure you understand important regulations and best practices. Many are available online or through professional bodies.

Build a Professional Network

Join industry groups and attend sports industry events or trade shows.

Networking can help you find mentors, learn from experienced professionals, and discover job opportunities. Consider joining associations like the Event Services Association or the Institute of Sports & Recreation Management.

Develop Digital and Communication Skills

Enhance your IT, social media, and project management abilities.

Modern event managers use digital tools for scheduling, marketing, and ticketing. Strong communication skills are vital for liaising with teams, clients, and the public.

🎯 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

An Event Manager (Sports) is most similar to an Events manager because both roles involve planning, organising, and overseeing events. The primary focus is on ensuring the successful execution of sporting events, which aligns closely with the responsibilities of managing various types of events in the Events manager role.

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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