Sports coach
Help people to reach their full sporting potential and take part safely in their chosen sport.
About the job
A day in the life – Sports coach
What it's like
You would help people to reach their full sporting potential and take part safely in their chosen sport.
Your work would depend on who you are coaching, and the type of sport you are coaching. You could coach anyone, from beginners to international professionals.
If you were working with schools and community groups you would:
plan fun, engaging coaching activities, sessions and programmes in a safe environment
give feedback on performance and help to improve technique
work with young people, schools, community groups and sports organisations to promote the sport
Working with young people involved in competitive sport, you would:
design training programmes
work on developing more advanced techniques
develop teamwork skills
give support at events and competitions
keep performance records
give advice on how lifestyle choices can affect performance
When coaching at national or international level you would:
design innovative training programmes
check on the physical and mental condition of the people you coach
help people do their very best in competitions
work with experts such as sports scientists, nutritionists, physiotherapists and programme managers
mentor other coaches
market and promote your coaching services, if you are self-employed
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- creative
- building relationships
- verbal communication
- developing a plan
- mentoring
- motivating others
- negotiating
- taking responsibility
- coaching
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Care
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Human Biology
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PE (Physical education)
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Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation
There are many routes into this career. Coaching qualifications are more important than academic qualifications.
You could get coaching qualifications and experience through:
Scottish Vocational Qualifications
UKCC accredited qualifications
a Modern Apprenticeship in Active Leisure, Learning and Wellbeing (SCQF Level 7)
an HNC/HND (SCQF Level 7/8)
a degree (SCQF Level 9/10)
Your coaching qualification would need to be recognised by the governing body for your sport.
Some sport and fitness courses ask for no formal qualifications. However, most will ask for National 4/5 qualifications. Some courses also require a fitness test.
Courses at HNC/HND or degree level require Highers. You'll need at least three Highers at B for entry to a degree.
Qualifications and experience that show fitness and sporting skills such as Sports Leaders UK Award or Skills for Work Sports & Recreation (SCQF level 4/5).
You'll need to be physically fit and have practical experience and skill in your chosen sport. You'll also need experience motivating others to improve their performance and play at their best. You could start gaining experience by assisting another coach.
You'll need to know the rules of the national governing body of your chosen sport.
Most roles will require membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland
Many coaching jobs require you to have a First Aid certificate.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Sports coach'
