There is a plethora of job opportunities available in the sports industry. Below is just a small number of the roles available, and the degree programmes on offer at UCFB that can help set you on your way. From marketing to media, coaching to event planning, and finance to fitness, there is a career for everyone in sport.
Careers in sport: Sports journalism jobs
Journalist
The opportunities to put pen to paper and write about sport are now endless. Whether it’s writing for the sports section of a newspaper, magazine or website, the 21st century journalist is a multimedia professional who’s as comfortable shooting a quick 30-second video on their phone as they are knocking out a 300-word lead at the drop of a hat.
Broadcaster
Sky Sports News and its 24/7 rolling coverage changed the game forever when it launched in the noughties. Not just presenting a live match, sports broadcasting now consists of roving reporters and confident presenters bringing you the news – now.
Producer
Away from the glamour in front of the camera, behind the scenes a producer and their team are writing the show, directing camera angles and keeping the production running as a seamless operation.
Degree programmes at UCFB
- BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism
- BA (Hons) Sports Business & Sports Broadcasting
- BA (Hons) Football Business & Media
Careers in sport: Sports marketing jobs
Marketing director
You simply must buy the new shirt this season – the email in your inbox said to, right? That would be the marketing director and their team promoting their brand and product. A multi-billion-dollar business needs personnel in place to keep the money rolling in and help buy a new striker in the next transfer window. The marketing team will work in tandem with sponsors and stakeholders vital to the business.
Public relations officer
Once upon a time, a sports club had a handful of national and local reporters to deal with, keeping their circle small and trusted. Now, sport is a multi-billion-pound industry with stakeholders from around the world. Whether it’s creating the story, spinning it or killing it, the PR officer is a vital cog in the machine of professional sport and its public facing image.
Degree programmes at UCFB
Careers in sport: Sports business and finance jobs
Finance advisor
Sports club and organisations have hundreds of income streams, all of which need to be assessed, measured and streamlined. Then there’s the millions of pounds leaving the company accounts on a yearly basis that need monitoring, not to mention the staff that need paying – players, coaches, stewards, the media team.
Agent
Agents are now play a massive role in professional sport. From dealing with a player’s contract negotiation, through to finalising their new boot deal. Agents might concentrate on one client, or run their own business with a number of clients. Either way, every player has one.
Degree programmes at UCFB
- BA (Hons) Football Business & Finance
- BA (Hons) International Football Business
- BA (Hons) Sports Business & Sports Law
Careers in sport: Sports coaching and performance jobs
Coach
From grassroots to the professional level, coaches are the most vital cog in an athlete’s development. Every level has different responsibilities which require different skill sets. A number of industry qualifications, such as FA and UEFA badges in football, can be undertaken alongside degree programmes to increase employability.
Psychologist
Sports psychology has been taken to a whole new level in the last decade, and all elite organisations will employ a psychology professional to aid performance. Ask any coach at the highest level and they believe this practice will get the extra vital percentage points out of their players.
Performance director
Overseeing your current squad and identifying what it needs to improve, while having an eye on “the next Ronaldo”, can be the difference between a top ten finish and relegation. You’ll have contacts around the world at an abundance of academies and Sunday league clubs, as well as a network of scouts keeping you abreast of what other clubs are looking at your targets.
PE teacher
Whether at primary or secondary level, you’ll be at the forefront of helping to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle to the next generation. As well as being full of ideas for lesson plans with a bat or ball, you’ll also have a sound knowledge of how the human body works under sporting stress.
Degree programmes at UCFB
- BA (Hons) Sports Business & Coaching
- BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Management
- BA (Hons) Physical Education
- BSc (Hons) Sports Psychology
Careers in sport: Event and stadium management jobs
Event coordinator
Every large event at a stadium or arena has an army of personnel behind the scenes that ensures it goes off without a hitch. Whether it’s crowd control, catering organisation or safety and security, an event coordinator plays a vital role in the successful delivery of a major event.
Stadium manager
Whether hosting 500 people for a corporate function, coordinating a stadium gig for 100,000 people, or dealing with 70,000 football fans, the life of a stadium manager is never dull. Modern day stadia are a 365-day a year operation – and you’re in charge of what goes on.
Degree programmes at UCFB
