Sports professional
Use your high level of sporting talent to compete in your chosen sport.
Also known as: sports player
About the job
What it's like
You would use your high level of sporting talent to compete in your chosen sport.
You could choose an individual sport, such as:
Athletics
Boxing
Tennis
Snooker
Cycling
Golf
Horse racing or another equestrian sport
You might instead choose a team sport, such as:
Football
Cricket
Basketball
Rugby
Hockey or ice hockey
You would:
Compete in matches and competitions
Improve your skills, fitness and stamina through training
Make sure your diet and lifestyle help you to achieve peak performance
Take advice from nutritionists, exercise professionals, sports psychologists and doctors
If you became well-known as a sports personality you may also:
Give media interviews
Promote products by appearing in adverts
Few people in sport are professionals. Most are amateurs, who may compete, but do not make money from their sport.
Explore more information about this job
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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.
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- listening
- attention to detail
- self esteem
- taking initiative
- taking responsibility
- self awareness
- resilience
- adaptability
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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PE (Physical education)
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but involvement in sports clubs or amateur organisations from an early age is usually important.
Most sports professionals are 'spotted' early on by a talent scout.
Some 'professional' sports courses are available but tend to lead towards coaching roles rather than professional sports jobs.
Qualifications and experience that show fitness and sporting skills such as Sports Leaders UK Award or Skills for Work Sports & Recreation (SCQF level 4) may also be of value.
Some professional sports careers provide an opportunity to gain relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance.
Joining a club or amateur organisation is a good starting point, as you will receive instruction and training.
The minimum age you can turn professional is 16 years of age.
With some sports there may be the opportunity to undertake a modern apprenticeship leading to a work-based qualification.
For some sports you would need to meet very specific entry requirements e.g. horse racing requires jockeys to be a certain height and weight.
In most sports you will be encouraged to carry on training or education in a subject or area different from your sport. This will help you:
if you need to supplement your income from sport with another full-time or part-time job
if you need another source of income when your performing career is over or if you are not as successful in sport as you hope to be.
There may be bursaries and scholarships available.
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