Sports & Leisure

Many people go for a career in the sports and leisure sector, and in the process transform their after-school hobby into a career. So if your Mum argues that messing around in the garden won’t be any help to you in the future, now you can prove her wrong; just don’t tell her where you heard it…

Sport is now a professional sector of the Irish economy, with rapidly increasing numbers of people joining gyms and leisure centres. This steady growth has led to the creation of large numbers of jobs in the industry and has made it a viable career path for those with an interest in this area.

Management, marketing and teaching are just some of the roles involved, so experience with fitness techniques is not enough. A third level course is a valuable asset in this profession as it showcases business and management expertise, as well as physical abilities. It is an option worth considering if you think this industry is for you…

Education
There is a wide range of course options available for people looking to pursue a career in the Sports & Leisure Management area. There is a selection of courses at higher-certificate and ordinary degree levels (levels 6 & 7) and an honours degree course in Sports Management at UCD (level 8). Examples of course titles include Leisure Management, Recreation & Leisure and Business Studies in Recreation & Leisure. The CAO points required are in the 250 – 350 range.

Students on Sports and Leisure courses take a mixture of leisure-pursuit and business subjects such as Sociology of Sport, Aquatic Studies, Activity & Nutrition and Organisation of Sport in Ireland, as well as general business, management and IT courses.

Most courses contain a mandatory semester of work placement, where students practice the theoretical skills they have learnt in the classroom. Some courses also feature a good deal of practical activity in sports instruction and coaching, while others include lifesaving and first aid training.

Students interested in a career related to sports and leisure might also consider courses such as Sports Science, Hospitality Management and PE Teaching.

Some colleges offer sports scholarships to students who are outstanding in their particular fields.

Options after Qualification
Graduates with a third-level qualification in the sports and leisure area face possible career opportunities in sports development, sports marketing and sponsorship, sports club management and leisure centre management, along with many other sectors of the entertainment and leisure industries.

Graduates of some ordinary degree programmes will be eligible to progress on to a general business honours degree qualification by spending another year at college. There are also graduate opportunities in consultancy, research and further education related to sport and leisure.

The Work
Sports and leisure managers are responsible for the administration of sports centres and leisure facilities. They may also be in charge of the organisation and development of sporting activities.

Administration tasks of sports or leisure managers can include budgeting and financial management, hiring and training staff, advertising and marketing activities, purchasing materials and equipment and organising competitions and events. Ensuring the adherence to health, safety and legal requirements is an important part of the job.

On the sporting side of things, leisure centre employees can be involved in maintaining sports equipment such as weights, pools and pitches, planning nutrition, training and fitness programmes, and coaching teams for competitions. People often start off as coaches or instructors and are then promoted to management roles when they have sufficient experience.

Sports Development Officers help people of all ages and levels of ability take part in sport and develop their skills. They can work in schools or youth groups. Some will be involved in improving community sports facilities, while others might deal with administration tasks for a national sporting body such as the FAI or GAA. Responsibilities can also include working on policy at national or local level, and trying to increase levels of participation across all sectors of society.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
An ability to communicate well and teamwork skills are vital as the industry involves regular contact with the public. A good business sense and ability to multi-task can also be beneficial in many areas.

Sports and leisure employment suits those who are of an outdoorsy nature; and enjoy working in a variety of environments; from office to pitch to pool. The hours can be long, usually including evening and weekend work.

The Money
Starting salaries in this industry are around the €23,000 mark. A qualified and experienced Recreation Manager earns in the range of €42,500 – €57,000 a year.

Jargon
Circuit training: a total body workout that allows several exercises—one for each body part—to be completed in succession with little rest time in between sets
Recreation: Refreshment of one's mind or body through activity that amuses or stimulates
Leisure: Freedom from time-consuming duties, responsibilities or activities
Offside: Nearer to his opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent (and interfering with play)

Job Titles
Facilities Manager
Sports Manager
Leisure Centre Manager
Health & Fitness Instructor
Sports Development Officer

Further Resources
Atlantic Sports Management & Training Ltd
Unit 3K Kinsale Commercial Park
Kinsale
Co Cork
Phone: 021 477 3312
Web: www.atlanticsport.ie
Email: morgan@atlanticsport.ie

Irish Sports Council
Block A Westend Office Park
Blanchardstown
Dublin 15
Phone: 01 860 8800
Web: www.irishsportscouncil.ie
Email: info@irishsportscouncil.ie

FAI (Football Association of Ireland)
80 Merrion Square
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 703 7500
Web: www.fai.ie
Email: info@fai.ie

School of Health and Human Performance
DCU
Dublin 9
Tel: 01 700 5000
Web: www.dcu.ie/shhp/index.shtml

GAA
Croke Park Stadium
Dublin 3
Phone: 01 836 3222
Web: www.gaa.ie
Email: queries@gaa.ie