Learning about Careers in Sport
The field of Sport is recognised as a growing industry, full of career opportunities and exciting roles. Behind every Sport and Sporting event is an entire support industry comprising professions as diverse as coaches, journalists, photographers, physiotherapists, match officials, nutritionists, therapists, marketers, and administrators and more.
On Tuesday 14 March, Year Ten GCSE PE pupils attended the ‘Careers in Sport’ workshop held at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham. The workshop was designed to provide an opportunity to see first-hand the diverse roles available working within Sport and highlight the skills required. The event was introduced by Harvey Grout, who established ‘Careers in Sport’ after spending many years working in Sporting careers but without a clear vision of where he was going. Harvey highlighted the many skills gained from Sporting involvement, skills which employers look for in any profession; communication, punctuality, listening to instructions and resilience – along with passion for Sport!
The ‘Careers in Sport’ workshops also allow students to see how a professional club operates and how the various departments work together to achieve success both on and off the pitch. Pupils had the opportunity to participate in interactive activities and understand the roles and responsibilities involved in running a major Sports club such as Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
The pupils participated in a Sports Business workshop, a Sports Coaching workshop and heard about the range of opportunities available in Sport Science, before listening to speakers from local universities about the wide range of Sporting related courses available. Apprenticeship provider ‘Coach Core’ also presented the range of Apprenticeships available relating to Sport, including full-time coaching roles, Sports development, and leisure management.
Beth Gaskell, Team Operations Manager of Birmingham Phoenix Cricket, delivered a session on the current opportunities within the Sports industry. Beth also highlighted the current success of women’s Sport and how this is set to grow even further, making it a very exciting time to become involved in women’s Sport.
This event gave pupils the opportunity to explore the breadth of careers in the fast-paced and evolving UK Sports industry. It also highlighted to our Year Ten pupils the skills they are already developing from their Co-curricular activities and the value these can provide for their future careers.
Mrs Audrey Williams , Head of Careers