This article is part of the “Career Advice” series.
People with enthusiasm for physical activity could select from a broad list of different professions. However, in this article, we’re going to discuss the possibility of becoming a sports coach. It’s a goal many people would like to set, but most have no idea how to reach it. Also, lots of folks wonder if it’s even possible to earn a decent wage. Well, the information on this page should help to set the record straight once and for all. Readers should know within a couple of minutes whether or not becoming a sports coach is a suitable career choice for them.
What traits does a person need to become a successful coach?
Firstly, it’s important to note that professional coaches are a rare breed. They require many different skills and traits to succeed in the career. They include:
- Good physical strength and sporting ability
- The mind of a master strategist
- Leadership skills
- Capacity to motivate others
- A sound understanding of biology
There is no need to worry if a candidate doesn’t have those qualities already because it’s possible to improve their skills. Of course, it helps if the person has a reasonable understanding of sports and the human body ahead of time. However, there is nothing new potential coaches can’t learn along the way.
How does someone prepare to be a sports coach?
There are lots of different ways in which people can get themselves job-ready. In some instances, a professional sports background is advantageous. Individuals who’ve already experienced success in the sporting world might not require the same qualifications as everyone else. For example, ex-professional football players will score roles coaching amateur teams without having to present a resume in most instances. The people who own those teams are always on the lookout for individuals with lots of experience. Still, the following strategies should assist everyone else in reaching their goal.
- Obtain relevant qualifications
- Network with sports team owners
- Offer to coach a couple of sessions for free
A Physical Education Master Degree is always going to come in handy, but some people can’t head off to university because they still need to pay the bills. With that in mind, it’s sensible to search for online learning specialists that offer courses of that nature. In most instances, it’s possible to complete all the work in your spare time. That allows students to continue working and providing income for their families. It just takes a little longer to qualify.
Where does a sports coach find work?
Those with the right skills and experience can find employment in an array of different places. It all comes down to what the individual hopes to achieve, and their sport of choice. Some professionals might choose to contact:
- Local schools
- State universities
- Amateur sports teams
- Professional sports teams
It makes sense to start small and progress at a steady pace. That is especially the case if the person doesn’t have a sports background. So, the first step is to contact schools and universities in the local area. Individuals who want to work as physical education assistants will have to undertake another course first. However, lots of schools and colleges run their sports clubs out of hours. That means the person coaching them doesn’t require a teaching degree. The coach just needs the relevant skills or qualifications listed above. After a couple of years running the high school soccer team, the individual can move towards amateur and then professional clubs.
How much can a sports coach earn?
It’s difficult to give an average figure because earnings depend on the type of employment. They can also relate to the success of the sports team. Still, many people manage to secure a decent salary if they’re committed to the profession. In some instances, that might mean the individual has to take on more than one job. They might spend their days coaching a small professional team, and then a couple of hours in the evening at a local school. Of course, coaches that are lucky enough to gain a position at a successful club will earn a fortune. Indeed, some of the top professionals in the business get as much as $7,000,000 per year according to news reports.
In conclusion, yes, an individual can make a living from coaching sports teams. It’s just that they often have to think outside of the box and work more than one job. Still, if physical activity and sport is an important part of their lives, those people will find a way to succeed. That is the case, even if it means starting new teams from scratch.
