Job market information
Finding out about sport and recreation
The sport and recreation industry is part of the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, represented by SkillsActive Sector Skills Council. This sector is based on leisure and recreation and includes: health and fitness; playwork; the outdoors; and the caravan industry. The UK active leisure, learning and well‐being sector currently employs 663,300 people, representing just over 2% of the UK workforce, and an estimated 1.9 million volunteers in England (equating to 54,000 full‐time equivalents). There are an estimated 39,800 workplaces, of which 74% employ 10 or less people. Much of the workforce work in a part‐time capacity (47%) and seasonal employment is important for outdoors, caravans and playwork, which attract students and other temporary workers.
The UK sport and recreation industry covers the full range of sports provision from grass roots community projects through to professional sports men and women at the peak of their performance. It also incorporates the day‐to‐day running of amateur and professional sports clubs, and the promotion of an active and healthy lifestyle. The structure of the industry is largely determined by the nature of provision; that is, whether its operators are publicly funded, private, not‐for‐profit, or charitable/voluntary organisations. Sport and recreation includes a variety of types of organisations, with a range of funding channels or support, ranging from commercial sports with large facilities to smaller sport clubs running on a charitable basis.
London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has put the UK’s sporting provision (both competitive and recreational) in the spotlight. The industry will play an essential role in ensuring that the delivery of the Games is effective and that the nation benefits from a lasting Olympic legacy.
Key facts:
- There are 371,800 people working in the sport and recreation industry, together with a significant number of volunteers.
- 41% of the workforce is employed full‐time, 48% part‐time and 11% self‐employed.
- Around 32% of the workforce is aged 16‐24 year olds; this is higher than the 14% recorded across the UK workforce as a whole.
- 25% of the adult population in England are members of club where they take part in sport (10 million people).
- 17.5% of the adult population in England received tuition to improve their performance in sport during 2007/08.
- Over 6 million adults participated in organised competitive sport in 20087/09.
- There are over 1,177,000 regularly practicing coaches in the UK.
Jobs in the industry include: sports development officer, community sports development officer, club/coach development officer, activity team leader, professional athlete, sports physiotherapist, team doctor, strength and conditioning coach, coach educators, psychologist, biomechanist, masseur, dietician, nutritionist, coach, official (club, county, regional, national, international), recreation/leisure assistant, sports/leisure manager, events manager, volunteer co‐ordinator, groundskeepers, stewards.
Entry and progression
Traditional entry qualifications (such as first aid, health and safety, introductory coaching awards, the sports leadership awards and life guarding qualifications) are valued by employers, together with a solid grounding in academic studies including English and Maths at GCSE, and potentially physical education (PE) at either GCSE or A level. Work experience in the sector can also be an advantage. Entry to certain occupations in the sector will be restricted by insurance and regulation.
The sport and recreation industry covers a range of careers paths, including:
- Sports Development – Sport development officers ensure that everyone, of all ages and all levels of ability, in the community has the opportunity to take part in sports and activities. The role is increasingly about shaping policy and turning national and local policy into practice.
- Elite Performance – Becoming an athlete is a reality for an only small minority of people. The dedication, passion and talent required to be a professional athlete are not qualities that can be learnt. For those wishing to be an athlete, training on logistical and financial issues is available from the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).
- Coaching – Coaching sport can be with beginners to elite performers, the young and old, and people with disabilities. Coaches help people participating in sports to work towards achieving their full potential. Many instructors/coaches have dual roles, combining coaching with other full‐time jobs. Coaches should aim to obtain the new UK Coaching Certificate.
- Officiating – Officials, such as referees, umpires, judges, marshals or time keepers, are important part of the industry. There are paid opportunities in some sports to officiate, although the vast majority of officials work on a voluntary basis. Each Governing Body of Sport will have their officials training and education system.
- Management and Operations – The operation of sport requires management and maintenance of the facilities used and coordination of the staff running each facility. There are no specific entry requirements, but a generic sport based degree or experience in the industry can be an advantage.
- Other related job roles – This includes groundskeepers, stewards, youth and community workers, sport media, sports marketing, sports journalism, sports retail or teaching in sports related topics.
For those wishing to change career and enter the industry, there are a range of opportunities as recruiters do not always insist on qualifications. Entry to roles at an older age is not uncommon.
There is a range of industry endorsed courses (at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level), work‐based learning, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and training schemes.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
371,800 |
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| Gender: |
53% male, 47% female |
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| Age: |
32% of the workforce is aged 16-24 years |
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| 24% aged 25‐34 years |
| 16% aged 35‐44 years |
| 21% aged 45‐59 years |
| 7% aged 60 years and over |
| [N.B. Data derived from Labour Force Survey (Annual average), 2008.] |
| [N.B. The following data are for the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector as a whole.] |
| Ethnicity: |
94% of the workforce is white, 2% Black or Black British, 2% Asian or Asian British, 1% Chinese or other ethnic background, and 1% mixed |
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Employment trends and future prospects
Long term forecasts (undertaken in 2004) indicate that employment across the sector will grow by around 21% over the period to 2014. However, these forecasts were made both before the announcement that London would host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and before the recent economic downturn.
Skill requirements and shortages
Jobs and roles in sport and recreation require varying skills sets, technical skills and qualifications, including:
- Job specific/technical skills – such as statutory training (e.g. lifeguard, first aid, health and safety, child protection), coaching/NGB awards, community sports leadership, officiating, sports development and fitness instructing.
- Generic and cross sector skills (e.g. literacy and numeracy, IT user skills)
- Communication
- Customer care/service
- Team‐working
- Organisational skills
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Management and leadership (dependent on level)
Cross sector skills include: Health and Safety; Child Protection; and First Aid.
Occupational trends
| Managers and Senior Officials |
12% |
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| Professionals |
12% |
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| Associate Professional and Technical |
23% |
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| Administrative and Secretarial |
9% |
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| Skilled Trades |
7% |
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| Personal Service |
21% |
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| Sales and Customer Service |
2% |
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| Process, Plant and Machine Operatives |
1% |
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| Elementary roles |
13% |
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[N.B. Data derived from Labour Force Survey (Annual average), 2008.]
The following will affect new and emerging jobs:
- Consumer trends – the demands of consumers and changes to lifestyles and tastes have a particular impact on all aspects of the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector. Customer Relationship Management may be increasingly important as the effects of the economic downturn are realised.
- Economic impact – the performance of the UK economy impacts on people’s spare time and disposable income, which may result in a shift in demand for recreational activities and domestic tourism.
- Government drivers – changes to government polity and/or legislation can affect the sector. For example, the government’s drive to increase participation in physical activity and utilise it as a means to address health issues around obesity will affect the demand for the sector and the skills/knowledge requirements of those dealing with people with health issues. A growth area is roles dealing with special populations and children’s fitness. The industry is also diversifying into wellbeing including advice on nutritional products and weight management programmes.
- Technological advancement – the greatest impact of technological change at present relates to advancements in booking systems, electronic communications and high‐ tech sporting/fitness equipment. The use of these tools is likely to impact on a range of occupations, although there may also be a requirement for those occupying clerical/administrative roles to obtain higher level skills.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are 44,300 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 27,200 are employed in the sport and recreation industry. The region has a strong sports infrastructure. It hosts a number of world class facilities including: the National Ice Centre; the National Water Sports Centre; the National Cricket Academy; the Nottinghamshire Tennis Centre; golf courses, such as Belton Woods, and the National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa; and racecourses at Nottingham, Leicester, Southwell, Market Rasen and Towcester, with Burleigh House hosting the annual International Horse Trials. There are also a range of professional sports club located in the region. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; first aid; and child protection.
East of England – There are 61,400 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 36,800 are employed in the sport and recreation industry. The region has a broad and exciting sporting heritage hosting a number of sporting and recreational facilities, including: football stadiums in Ipswich and Norwich; British horseracing headquarters; Snetterton racing circuit; Norfolk Broads; and Grafham Water sailing centre.
London – There are 70,200 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 45,200 are employed in the sport and recreation industry. London has a rich mix of active leisure and learning facilities, high profile sporting clubs and venues and hosts a wide range of international, national, regional and local events. The most important forthcoming sporting event for the region is the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which is expected to bring a number of long term benefits to the region, including substantial investment and development in the sporting infrastructure in London. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; management; initiative; first aid; child protection; project management; and working with people with disabilities.
North East – There are 24,500 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 14,900 are employed in the sport and recreation industry. The region is home to a number of high profile sporting clubs including: Sunderland, Newcastle United and Middleborough football clubs; Durham County Cricket Team; Rugby Union Newcastle Falcons team; and the Newcastle Vipers ice hockey team. The North East has 20 facilities listed in the London 2012 Pre‐Games Training Camps Guide and 4 universities providing sports provision recognised in the 2012 Training Camps Guide. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; first aid; team‐working; health and safety; working with disabled people; child protection; and initiative.
North West – There are 65,700 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 38,300 are employed in the sport and recreation industry. The region has a rich sports infrastructure. It is home to: a number of professional football teams; a county cricket club and a test match venue in Lancashire; SuperLeague rugby clubs; a number of first class golf courses; the world’s biggest horse race (the Grand National at Aintree); and other race courses at Haydock, Chester, Carlisle and Cartmel. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; initiative; team‐working; planning and preparing work; child protection; and first aid.
South East – There are 96,700 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 62,300 are employed in the sport and recreation industry. The region hosts a range of high profile sporting venues and events, including: Eton Dorney; National Hockey Centre; Brands Hatch; and Cowes. A high percentage of English athletes funded under the world class programmes are based in the South East. Two of the nine UK Sports Institutes are based in the region at Bisham Abbey and Bisley. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; first aid; child protection; communication; management; and planning and preparing work.
South West – There are 53,700 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 28,100 are employed in the sport and recreation industry. The region is host to a number of high profile sporting events and venues including: Cheltenham Gold Cup; Badminton Horse Trials; European surfing at Newquay; sailing at Weymouth; and World Half Marathon in Bristol. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; management; team‐working; planning and preparing work; initiative; project management; and problem solving.
West Midlands – There are 48,200 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 28,600 are employed in the sport and recreation industry. The region hosts a range of high‐profile sporting venues, clubs and events, including: The National Indoor Arena (NIA) in Birmingham, which has staged over 40 major international sporting events since it opened in 1991; several football Premiership/Championship Clubs; high‐profile professional clubs in rugby and basketball; successful cricket, hockey and athletics clubs; the National Sports Centre at Lilleshall, which is part of the English Institute of Sport (EIS); the Belfry, a world‐class golf course; Warwickshire County Cricket Ground in Edgbaston; a regional indoor training centre at Worcester Rugby Club; and a number of racecourses. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; management; team‐working; initiative; and planning and preparing work.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are 51,900 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 29,900 are employed in the sport and recreation industry. The region has a strong sporting infrastructure and is home to a cluster of sports science, technology, medicine and economics research and development units. The region is home to a range of professional sports clubs and 11 venues feature in the London 2012 Pre‐Games Training Camp Guide. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; child protection; initiative; and management.
Northern Ireland – There are 10,738 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 8,100 are employed in the sport and recreation industry.
Scotland – There are 58,200 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 36,800 are employed in the sport and recreation industry.
Wales – There are 29,500 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 15,600 are employed in the sport and recreation industry.
[N.B. Data derived from Annual Business Inquiry (GB), 2007, Northern Ireland Annual Business Inquiry, 2005 and Labour Force Survey (Annual average), 2008.]
Salary levels
Pay scales in this industry vary so the following only provides an indication of the average annual salaries of the current workforce:
- Sport and fitness occupations between £15,000 ‐ £18,000
- Football coach – Community football coaches can earn between £16,000 and £24,000. Professional League/Premiership coaches can earn between £25,000 and £250,000, depending on the role of the coach and the level of the club. Football coaches are often employed for a few hours a week, and paid an hourly rate
- Football referee – Referees at amateur level games earn around £20 to £30 per match. Match officials for semi‐professional games can get up to £80 per game, plus expenses. Full‐time, top‐flight Premier League officials can earn around £40,000, plus match fees.
- Footballer – individual earnings vary widely depending on the reputation of the player, and on the club. Earnings can also be increased by performance related bonuses, appearance fees, endorsements and sponsorship.
- Leisure centre assistant – starting salaries can be between £12,500 to £19,000
- Leisure centre manager – can earn between £17,000 ‐ £25,000. Senior managers can earn over £35,000.
- Lifeguards – starting salaries can be £11,500 a year, rising to over £15,000. Many lifeguards are part‐time and are paid an hourly rate, which can range from £6 to £10 per hour.
- Swimming pool technician – salaries range from £15,000 to £20,000.
- Sports development coach – salaries can range from £20,000 to £35,000. Managers can earn up to £50,000.
- Greenkeeper – salaries start from £10,000 for an apprentice to more than £44,000 a year for a golf course manager at a prestigious course.
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using SkillsActive AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
