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6 things you need to know about sports development in Sussex
1. About sports development
- Sports development covers a range of opportunities within the sport and active leisure industry.
- Sport development officers are employed by local authorities, governing bodies of sport and other public agencies to promote and develop opportunities for people to take part in sport and leisure.
- Opportunities have grown tremendously over the past 20 years and now many sports development officers have an important role to play in developing and implementing policies for sport at a local, regional and national level.
- Careers can be varied and exciting and opportunities exist to work within a single sport or across a whole variety of sports, for example with a local authority.
2. Skills and experience
Sports development officers will be required to have a strong interest in sport and some practical experience of sport as a participant, spectator or official.
- Governing body coaching awards and voluntary experience are an advantage.
- Good writing and communications skills are very important as is a passion to develop sport and the ability to understand, interpret and produce policy documents.
- An understanding of the structure and organisation of sport in the UK would also be expected.
3. Entry level qualifications
A wide range will be acceptable for entry onto a degree course. An interest in the social sciences and the role of sport in society and its place as an important part of British culture will be expected.
4. Opportunities for Sports development officers
Whilst the sports industry is a growing employment sector, and a number of sports development opportunities are advertised within Sussex, competition for these posts is often intense and employers can select from a large volume of applicants. This situation is unlikely to change in the near future and potential entrants to sports development will need to realise the importance of developing a very 'employable' skills profile that is transferable to other employment opportunities.
5. What you can study at undergraduate level in Sussex
- University of Chichester - BSc (Hons) Sports studies (sports development)
- University of Brighton - Foundation Degree in Sports coaching and sports development
- University of Brighton (top-up) - BA (Hons) Sport coaching and development
6. What you can study at postgraduate level in Sussex
- University of Brighton - MA Sports development
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