Qualifications
To work as a sports coach or instructor in the UK and EU, you will typically need to have the appropriate qualifications and certifications, for a specialist job experience is also essential but there are plenty of entry level jobs where even a basic ticket will make you stand out. The specific qualifications required vary depending on the level of coaching, the sport, and the organisation you want to work for and obviously the country you are working in.
Traditional & ball sports
Most sports in the UK & Ireland have their own National Governing Bodies, and they offer coaching qualifications specific to their sport. Examples include the Football Association (FA), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the FA of Ireland Kickstart courses. These courses obviously have multiple levels, from beginner to advanced. Most seasonal jobs require the basic ones but specialist and performance camps employ instructors of higher levels.
Outdoor and adventure sports
Outdoor and adventure sports work in much the same way. This system now works nationally so the Scottish, Welsh and English Mountain Training Boards coordinate but administrate awards such as Summer Mountain Leader, Walking Group Leader and climbing qualifications like the Single Pitch Climbing award. In Ireland the MTBI covers the Island of Ireland and is a member of Mountain Training UK and Ireland, as are the various mountaineering councils and prominent training centres.
Sports jobs help guide
A closer look at each category of outdoor sports jobs and courses
Latest outdoor sports jobs and courses
Waterfront Manager
Would you like the opportunity to combine your water sport skills and travelling? Mark Warner invites you to join our team as Waterfront Manager in on
-
Competitive salary plus benefits
-
Provided
Tennis Coach - Summer 2025 Greece/ Turkey
Would you like the opportunity to combine your love of tennis with travelling? Mark Warner invites you to join our team as Tennis Coach, where your lo
-
Competitive salary plus benefits
-
Provided
JCA 2025 Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructor
JCA Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructor 2025Are you ready to start your next adventure and climb your way to the top? Our Outdoor Activity Instructo
-
Up to £12.32 per hour
-
Provided
From the outdoor sports video channel
EA Mountain Bike Training Courses & Internship Program Overview.
Mountain Bike Instructor Internship Training available in Revelstoke, Canada with a Guaranteed Job Offer & Mountain Bike Instructor Training Course available in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Watch video
EA Mountain Bike Training
Superyacht Stewardess & Steward Training
Train to work as a Stewardess or Steward in the maritime industry
Watch video
UKSA
Professional Yachtmaster
Train to work on superyachts, flotilla, tug boats, and employment in the maritime industry
Watch video