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Athlete/Professional Player

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A professional athlete or player competes in sports at a high level, either individually or as part of a team. In the UK, this can include footballers, rugby players, cricketers, tennis players, and athletes in track and field, among others. The role involves intensive training, regular practice, and participation in matches or competitions. Athletes often have demanding schedules, including travel for events and time spent in the gym or on the field. Success requires discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. Many athletes also participate in promotional activities, media interviews, and sometimes coaching or mentoring roles. It is a highly competitive career with significant physical and mental demands, but it can be very rewarding for those who reach the top levels.

Athlete/Professional Player

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a professional athlete in the UK varies widely by sport, but typically ranges from £30,000 to over £100,000 per year. Top footballers and international stars can earn millions.

Number of Professional Athletes

There are approximately 3,000 to 5,000 professional athletes in the UK across major sports such as football, rugby, cricket, athletics, and others.

Typical Career Span

The average professional sporting career lasts between 5 and 15 years, depending on the sport and the athlete's physical condition.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Professional Footballer

Competes at a high level in football, often playing for a club or national team and participating in leagues and tournaments.

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Olympic Track and Field Athlete

Trains and competes in athletics events such as sprinting, long jump, or discus at national and international competitions, including the Olympics.

Professional Tennis Player

Travels and plays in tennis tournaments around the world, representing clubs or countries and aiming for rankings and titles.

Develop Skills and Get Involved

Try Different Sports

Explore a range of sports to find out what you enjoy and where your talents lie.

Join school teams, local clubs, or community sports sessions to experience various sports such as football, athletics, cricket, rugby, or tennis. This will help you identify which sport suits your abilities and interests best. Being open to different sports can also develop a broad set of physical skills and make you a well-rounded athlete.

Train Regularly

Commit to regular training to develop your physical fitness and technical skills.

Work with a coach or trainer who can help you improve your technique, stamina, and strength. Set a training schedule that includes practice sessions, fitness training, and rest days. Focus on improving your skills and learning the rules and strategies of your chosen sport.

Compete in Local and School Events

Take part in competitions to test your abilities and gain experience.

Join school teams, local leagues, or regional competitions to gain match experience. Competing regularly can help you learn how to handle pressure, work as part of a team, and develop sportsmanship. Success in local events can lead to recognition and opportunities to move to higher levels of competition.

Progress to Advanced Levels

Join a Club or Academy

Become a member of a sports club or academy that offers professional coaching and facilities.

Look for clubs or academies that have a track record of developing professional athletes in your chosen sport. These organisations often provide more specialised coaching, access to better facilities, and the opportunity to compete at higher levels. Being part of a club or academy also helps you build a network within the sport.

Work with Professional Coaches

Receive guidance from experienced coaches to refine your skills and tactics.

Professional coaches can provide tailored training programmes and feedback to help you reach your full potential. They can also assist in injury prevention, mental preparation, and setting realistic goals for your development. Regular assessment by coaches will ensure you keep improving.

Participate in Regional and National Trials

Attend trials and selection events to showcase your talent.

Many sports have trials or selection days for regional, county, or national teams. Prepare thoroughly and perform at your best, as these events are often watched by scouts and talent managers from professional clubs. Success can lead to offers to join elite squads or even gain sponsorship.

Turn Professional

Sign with a Professional Team or Agent

Secure a contract with a professional club or sports agent.

If you are successful in trials and competitions, you may be offered a contract by a professional team or representation by a sports agent. Always seek advice before signing, and ensure you understand the terms and commitments involved. Your agent can help manage your career and negotiate contracts.

Maintain Peak Performance

Continue training and competing at the highest level to stay competitive.

Professional athletes must maintain strict training routines, follow nutrition plans, and look after their mental health. Working with support staff such as physiotherapists, nutritionists, and psychologists is common. Continual self-improvement and resilience are key to a long and successful career.

Represent Your Country or Club

Take part in national and international competitions and promote your sport.

As a professional athlete, you may have the chance to compete for your club in major leagues or represent your country in international tournaments. You may also be involved in community events, media appearances, or sponsorship activities, helping to inspire others and promote your sport.

🎯 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

Both 'Athlete/Professional Player' and 'Sports professional' involve competing at a high level within the sports industry, requiring physical skill, training, and dedication. The roles typically encompass participation in sporting events and a focus on athletic performance, making them closely aligned in qualifications.

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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