Sports administrator : Training

In order for the UK's sport and recreation sector to remain successful at home and abroad, it needs highly skilled and well-qualified people to create a motivated, effective and innovative workforce. In light of this, some of the larger organisations have now developed graduate training schemes.

Other than graduate training schemes, much of the training tends to be on the job and varies according to the role; some sports administrators attend IT training and workshops on relevant legislation, or courses to develop professional skills and organisational abilities, such as chairing meetings, influencing and negotiating, event management and time management.

The Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (IMSPA)  maintains updated directories of training options - see their website for further details.

Courses to enhance effectiveness and aid future career development include part-time options such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) or programmes in finance or marketing. Postgraduate or professional courses in management or business administration are another option.

A variety of courses exist to cover specific areas of sports administration. For example, Goodform  run one-day 'Introduction to Sales and Marketing in Sport' courses aimed at students and graduates and those looking to start a career in the commercial world of sport. For those involved in club management, the Club Managers Association of Europe  offers workshops, seminars and a Diploma course.

Mentoring is evolving in some governing bodies, and can be an excellent tool for personal and career development.

Visits to relevant organisations and attendance at conferences are also excellent ways of developing knowledge and useful contacts.