As a hands-on role, sport development requires the candidate to be fit, healthy and have excellent interpersonal skills. The role requires the distribution, design and creation of fitness programmes, sports coaching and training development to children, adults and athletes.
After successfully completing GCSEs, including physical education, and A levels, preferably in sports science, and completing a sport development or sports science degree, the candidate should also have experience in their relevant field.
The typical duties of this position include coordinating, delivering and identifying different sports and health-related activities for events, classes and raising public awareness of the health benefits of keeping fit. Coaching school children, working with governing bodies and organisations to help use exercise and fitness to rehabilitate prisoners and regenerate the community may be required.
The average annual salary for a sport development officer is from £15,000 to £20,000, and this rises to £35,000 with experience. In a more managerial role, the salary can be as high as £50,000.