Professions in Sport
Step Up 2011
Dr Deirdre Brennan
Presentation Objectives
• To outline career possibilities in the
domain of Sport
Academic Qualifications
• BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Sciences with
/without DIS/DAS
• BSc (Hons) Sports Studies with/without
DIS/DAS
• BSc (Hons) Sports Technology
• Foundation degree in Sports Coaching
Professional Qualifications
• National Governing Body Coach Awards
– Football coach
– Basketball coach
– Judo coach etc
• Fitness qualifications
– Fitness instructor
– Strength & Conditioning
– Exercise to Music etc
Teacher of Physical Education
Teaching
(Primary/Secondary/Third level)
A relevant degree and
an initial teacher training course
• Safe secure job! There will always be
schools and children needing education
• A vocation – not for the faint hearted
• An undervalued profession be highly
rewarding
Sports Development Officer
Sports Development
• Degree (sport / management)
• Sports Specific posts e.g. IFA / IRFU / GAA
Development Officers
• Generic posts e.g. Local Authorities, District
Councils, City Councils
• Purpose is to develop sport and athlete and
player performance pathways
• This is a developing professional area in the
sports industry which has grown rapidly in the
last 10 years
Community Sports
Development Officers
Community Sports
Development Officers
• Degree in sport / youth work /community
development /community relations
• Generic posts with specific projects e.g.
WISPA
• Purpose is to use sport to develop the
community – women & girls, unemployed,
over 50’s etc etc
• Very new but growing in importance due to
Government agendas
Leisure facility Management
Leisure Facility Management
• Degree in
Sport/Management/Busi
ness
• High percentage of
leisure facilities in
Belfast
• Some wet ,some dry
• Health Suites
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Bookings
Programmes
Facility maintenance
Facility development
Holiday programmes
Public facilities
Heath care referrals
After school clubs
Community sports clubs
Sports Event Management
Sports Event Management
• Belfast Marathon
• World Fencing
Championships
• Special Olympics
• World Boxing
Championships
• World Rallying
Championships
• Charity events
(Haiti)
• Private companies
• Local Authorities
• Manage facilities,
staff, budgets,
volunteers
• Design and deliver
training
• Income generation
• Sponsorship etc
Fitness/Personal Trainer
Personal Trainer
• Professional qualifications very
important
• Not enough to have a degree
• Fitness Instructing, Strength and
Conditioning, Exercise to Music,
Boxercise, Step, Spin (and whatever is
next!)
Sports Journalism
Sports Journalism
• Degree in Communication, English,
Sport, Journalism
• Ability to communicate really well
(written and verbal)
• Papers
• TV
• Radio
Sports Retail & Marketing
Sports Retail & Marketing
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Nike
Adidas
Umbro
O Neills
Speedo
Kukri
• Sales rep
• Shop manager
• Brand agent
Sports Scientist
Sports Scientist
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Sports Science Degree
Technological support
Lab testing
New profession
Small numbers
Work with Elite level athletes
Post Graduate Study
Any Questions?
Thank you