If you are considering a career in sports, there are a number of options available. Your first decision relates to what particular sector you are interested in. Then ideally, you should gain practical experience by volunteering or gaining an internship with a grass roots sports club or organization.
Apart from becoming an actual athlete, there are numerous sports related career options to choose from:
Engineer and mechanic
Many sports involve the use of equipment, ranging from relatively simple machines such as bicycles and bob sleighs, to highly complex racing cars and motorcycles, stunt planes, yachts and powerboats.
In order to become an engineer or mechanic, you will almost certainly require a degree in engineering and have spent at least some period gaining practical experience as a technician.
Coach
All athletes, from amateurs to elite professionals, depend on coaches to help them make the most of their natural physical abilities and psychological and motivational development.
Having decided which sport you wish to specialize in, you should train for a coaching qualification recognized by that sport's governing body.
Agent
Most professional athletes employ agents to represent them. The job involves looking after your client's interests when dealing with team owners and negotiating new contracts, acting as a PR manager and looking after the client's personal financial affairs.
While there are no specific entry requirements, many agents have some form of legal experience, usually in the field of contract law and possess a degree in business studies.
Commentator
Sports commentators provide an essential link with an event's audience, whether they are at the stadium or track, or listening to the radio or watching on TV. A highly skilled commentator can make even the dullest of events appear interesting and exciting. It is imperative that you have a real love and in-depth knowledge of the sport you are covering.
Many would-be commentators start by working as volunteers at local amateur events before progressing to regional, national and eventually international venues as their presentational skills become more widely recognized. A degree or postgraduate qualification will also aid your cause.
Physiotherapist
All athletes sustain injuries; it might be a ten-year old playing football for his or her local club or a baseball superstar appearing in the World Series. No matter who the athletes are, it is you they rely on as a physiotherapist to get them fit and well as quickly as possible.
The professional qualifications you need include a degree and post graduate master's degree in sports physiotherapy, along with practical work experience.
Sports management
Business has, to a greater or lesser degree, come to play an essential part in ensuring the survival and growth of almost all sports. Sponsorship of individuals, teams, stadia and leagues is growing, which has led to the establishment of professional ruling bodies to control how the influx of cash is distributed and lay down strict rules and codes of behavior. In addition, wealthy individuals and companies are buying clubs and teams, turning them into businesses that are, in many cases, required to make a profit.
As a result, there are opportunities if you have an interest in a particular sport but prefer to pursue a career path in business management. An overview of Max Mosley's life in motor sport provides a good example of how you might move into a managerial position. While attending Oxford University, Mosley was given tickets to spectate at the nearby Silverstone racetrack. He became enthralled by the sport, purchased a cheap racing car and won a few races. He formed a team, stopped racing and became team manager. Mosley next began building his own cars, including F1 machines and eventually went on to become president of international motorsport's governing body, the FIA.
No matter where your interests lie, there is sure to be a job for you in sports. The range of options is wider than it has ever been, and there is no reason why you should not enjoy a long and financially rewarding career.