Careers in Leisure, Sport & Fitness

Sectors

Leisure, Sport & Fitness

About

Sport plays such a big part of our own lives we may not realise you can make a career of it too. But people have more free time and disposable income along with greater awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, this means there’s more and more jobs in the sector. More courses are training people to work in sport or fitness, although education requirements vary across the sector. The sector offers opportunities for active, sporty people. As many of the roles involve training and guidance, it should appeal to outgoing people. Organisations such as sports teams and gyms have demand for many other skillsets, such as sales, marketing and management, offering several ways into the sector.

Skills

physical fitness, developing relationships, time management, leadership, communication, empathy, one to one counselling, physical activity, education & training, teamwork, adaptability, initiative, persuasion,

Key Facts

43%

of the Irish population regularly participates in sport

Irish Sports Monitor, 2017

57%

of those participating in sport receive coaching or training

Irish Sports Monitor, 2017

12.4%

of the Irish popuulation engage in gym activities

Irish Sports Monitor, 2017

50,000

people are members of health and fitness clubs

Deloitte European Health & Fitness Market Report 2018

Labour Market Information

In quarter 4 2017, there were approximatly 25,000 employed in sport and fitness activities in Ireland. The vacancy data indicates that job opportunities exist for fitness instructors, although no shortages have been identified in this or any other occupations in this sector.

In this Sector...

Leisure

People working in the sector often have an interest in the area they work in and thrive on helping others persue that activity. It’s simple really, there’s no better surfing instructor or hike leader than someone who loves the activity.

Health & Fitness

The Health and Fitness sector is becoming increasingly diverse, beyond gyms there are now a wide range of businesses offering different approaches to living a healthy lifestyle.

Sports Administration

While clubs are generally run by volunteers who organise the finances and all the admin that keeps a club going, there is a shift towards an increasingly professional attitude, with the development of scientific approaches to fitness and a growing demand for applying modern management principles to sports organisations.

Coaching

Coaches are expected to know more and more about management, fitness, teamwork and tactics, much of which is facilitated by sports coaching and sports science courses.

Equine Sport

The equine sport industry in Ireland is one of the most lucrative to the economy worth millions annually and employing thousands of people. It provides employment, trade, sport and enjoyment but most importantly is a vital cog for tourism in Ireland.