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Athlete/Professional Player

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A professional athlete or player is someone who competes in sports at the highest levels, earning their income through their sporting abilities. This could include footballers, rugby players, cricketers, tennis players, and athletes in many other sports. Training is intense and ongoing, often requiring several hours of practice each day, along with strict fitness, nutrition, and recovery routines. Athletes also travel regularly for competitions and may be involved in promotional or sponsorship activities. The career is highly competitive and can be physically and mentally demanding, with performance peaks often occurring at a young age. Many athletes plan for secondary careers due to the relatively short duration of their sporting life.

Athlete/Professional Player

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for professional athletes in the UK varies widely, ranging from around £20,000 to over £1 million per year, depending on the sport and level of success.

Employment Numbers

There are approximately 6,000 professional athletes working in the UK, though this number can fluctuate based on the definition and the sport.

Career Longevity

The average career span of a professional athlete in the UK is typically between 5 to 15 years, depending on the sport and physical demands.

🚀 Careers in this path

Professional Footballer

Competes at a high level in football, often for a club or national team, focusing on training, matches, and maintaining peak physical condition.

Olympic Swimmer

Trains and competes in swimming events, aiming to qualify for and represent their country at the Olympic Games.

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Tennis Player on the ATP or WTA Tour

Travels internationally to compete in tennis tournaments, working with coaches to develop skills and improve world ranking.

Start Early and Develop Skills

Choose Your Sport

Pick a sport you are passionate about and start playing regularly to develop your basic skills.

It is important to choose a sport that you enjoy and feel motivated to practise. Try out different sports if you are unsure, and see which one suits your strengths and interests best. Starting at a young age gives you more time to develop key skills and techniques.

Join a Local Club or Team

Become a member of a local club or school team to gain structured training and regular competition experience.

Joining a club or team allows you to receive coaching from experienced trainers, compete against others, and learn about teamwork and discipline. Many clubs also offer pathways for talented players to progress to county or regional teams.

Work on Fitness and Nutrition

Focus on improving your physical fitness, strength, and nutrition to support your athletic performance.

Athletes require high levels of fitness, which means regular exercise, conditioning, and proper diet. Consult with a coach or nutritionist if possible, and make sure you follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid injuries and stay in top shape.

Progress to Higher Levels

Enter Regional or National Competitions

Participate in higher-level competitions to test your skills against stronger opponents and gain exposure.

Competing at regional and national levels helps you gain experience and get noticed by talent scouts. Perform well and you may be selected for elite squads or receive invitations to trials for professional academies.

Seek Advanced Coaching

Work with specialist coaches or attend academies to refine your technique and tactics.

Professional coaching can make a big difference in your development. Many sports have academies or training camps that focus on advanced skills and mental preparation. Look for opportunities to train with experienced coaches who can help you reach your full potential.

Balance Education and Training

Make sure to keep up with your studies while pursuing your sports career, as this gives you more options for the future.

It is important to continue your education, as not all athletes become professionals and sporting careers can be short. Some schools and colleges offer sports scholarships and flexible timetables to help you balance both commitments.

Become a Professional Player

Get Scouted or Attend Trials

Showcase your talent at events, competitions, or trials to attract attention from professional clubs or teams.

Scouts from professional teams often attend major competitions or talent identification events. You can also apply for trials or send highlight videos to clubs. Networking and making a name for yourself in your sport is key.

Sign with a Club or Agent

Once you have proven your ability, sign a contract with a professional club or get representation from a sports agent.

A contract with a professional club means you will be paid to play and train full time. An agent can help you negotiate contracts, find sponsorships, and manage your career. Make sure you understand the terms and always seek advice before signing.

Continue Training and Competing

Work hard to improve your skills, maintain your fitness, and perform well in matches or events.

Professional athletes continue to train daily, focus on recovery, and work with a team of coaches, physios, and support staff. Always look for ways to improve and stay motivated, as the competition is tough and standards are high.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

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

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

An Athlete/Professional Player shares similar qualifications with a Sports professional, as both involve high-level physical skill, training, and expertise in a specific sport or activity. They are involved in competing or performing at a professional level within the sporting industry.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • amateur sport where you could be spotted by a talent scout
  • a sponsorship or scholarship scheme

Apprenticeship

The Sporting Excellence Professional, advanced apprenticeship is available in the following sports:

  • cricket
  • football
  • rugby league
  • rugby union

The apprenticeship gives talented amateur sports players the chance to develop their sporting talent alongside their education.

Once you've completed your apprenticeship, you may turn professional or continue as an amateur while you get more experience.

You can find out more from the professional body for each sport.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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Other Routes

The route to becoming a professional varies from sport to sport.

Typically you'll start by joining a club, academy or amateur organisation where you can train and get coaching.

Most sports professionals are spotted early on by talent scouts at this stage.

In some sports you may be able to get financial help to develop your sporting talent as well as to continue your general education.

You can find out more about different schemes through Sport England.

Your chosen sport's National Governing Body (NGB) is the best place to get more information on the way to get ahead in your sport.

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Career tips

Some professional sports careers can be quite short, so it's useful to have plans for what you will do when you can no longer play or compete.

Further information

You can get more details on what it takes to become a professional sportsperson from Sport England.

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