It's Scottish Careers Week from 11 to 15 November! Find out how to get involved

Sports coach

Help people to reach their full sporting potential and take part safely in their chosen sport.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£365

Entry level

£538

Experienced

Monthly

£1,583

Entry level

£2,333

Experienced

Yearly

£19,000

Entry level

£28,000

Experienced

9,700

people are currently employed

High growth

700 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

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

Hours

Coaches often work in the evenings and at weekends, especially during competitions. If you are coaching at a high level, you would usually work long hours. There are lots of opportunities for coaches to work part-time.

Environment

You could work in a variety of places, including schools, health centres, private health clubs and sports clubs. For some sports you would spend a lot of your time outside in all weather conditions.

Travel

Competitions can take place all over the UK and sometimes abroad, which could mean that you spend some time away from home.

Explore more information about this job

Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:

Like the sound of this career?

Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Sports coach'

Select qualification level(s)

Show me courses

Other careers that you might like

  • Horse riding coach
  • Outdoor activities instructor
  • Sports development officer
  • Swimming teacher or coach
Browse all job profiles

Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

    View all industries

    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.

    Here are some of the 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.

    Discover skills

    Getting in

    Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

    You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

    Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

    Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

    • Care

    • Human Biology

    • PE (Physical education)

    • 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'

    View all courses

    Search jobs and apprenticeships

    View work opportunities