Recreation industry launches careers for budding sports professionals

The exam results are in, the school holidays are finished and the reality of taking that first step on the career ladder is looming. To help, the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) today launches its ’Train-to-win’ campaign, highlighting the career opportunities available in the sports industry.

The objective of the scheme is to make people aware of the variety of jobs on offer within sport. It will provide guidance on how people can break into the industry and gain qualifications whilst working. With nearly half a million people working in the sport and recreation industry in the UK, there is a role to suit everyone, from lifeguards to general managers.

Ralph Riley, Chief Executive of the ISRM says, The sports industry is a growing market, which offers an exciting and challenging career, away from the confines of a desk job. We can’t all be professional footballers, but many people can turn their sporting hobbies into a great career. What people are not sure about is how to get started. As the professional body for the sport and recreation industry we aim to develop people’s skills and careers. There are currently 12,000 people in the industry accredited by the ISRM, who have gone on to provide safe and exciting sporting opportunities for the public.

The ISRM runs a range of courses and professional qualifications, which prepare people with the correct skills to work in the recreation industry. Run in partnership with City and Guilds these allow students to gain vocational training whilst working. Courses cover a range of subjects from sports skills, health and safety to business administration and management. Each course is aimed at students with different abilities and experience, from GCSE level through to graduates.

If you once dreamed of playing for Arsenal, think about all the people that helped the team become champions last year; fitness experts, coaches physios and many more. A career in sport provides the perfect opportunity to earn a living from something that you have a great passion for, as well being able to reward the community and help people. Sports jobs go beyond the single act of participating in sport and that’s what makes it interesting, says Riley.