Sports coach/instructor : Entry requirements

Relevant degree and HND/foundation degree subjects include:

• sports science;
• health science;
• sport coaching;
• sports management.

While relevant academic qualifications may provide a useful background, you can only become a qualified coach by gaining the appropriate coaching qualification offered by the National Governing Body (NGB) of your chosen sport. (See the UK Sport  website 'links' section for a list of NGBs.) The training process can start while you are in the sixth form or at college, as 16 is the minimum age to begin qualifying for roles such as assistant coach or leader. Courses vary in length and may be full time, part time or taken by distance learning. Practical coaching competency must be demonstrated.

Some higher education sports-related courses offer the opportunity to gain coaching qualifications in conjunction with the academic degree programme. Progress as a sports coach is impossible without these, even if you have a sports-related degree. Sport governing bodies have differing levels of qualifications corresponding to S/NVQ levels 1-4.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• the ability to quickly develop successful working relationships with people from different backgrounds and with varying levels of sporting ability;
• a desire to help other people succeed;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• team-building ability;
• enthusiasm, flexibility and patience;
• awareness of equality and diversity issues, including those related to sport and disability;
• motivational skills and an understanding of the psychology that underpins successful competition (particularly at senior coaching levels);
• organisational skills;
• a strong interest in maintaining professional skills and knowledge.

Community coaching roles require the ability and enthusiasm to work with large groups of children. An enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)  check is required for this area of work.

Voluntary and part-time work are the main ways into coaching, and many coaches continue in this capacity alongside other employment. Getting involved with activities in your chosen sport at a regional level is advisable. Networking with sports development officers within local authorities can also be a productive way of gaining employment.

The number of vacancies and level of competition for jobs tend to be related to the popularity and participation rates for the sport. Some areas are particularly competitive, with progress dependent on reputation and results. Increasingly, there are opportunities for multi-skilled coaches with coaching certificates in several activities.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.