Sports Development Officer

As a Sports Development Officer you plan, coordinate and deliver sports and physical activity programmes across a local community or region. You work closely with Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), national governing bodies, schools, community groups and the HSE to increase participation in sport at all levels. Your daily responsibilities include designing participation schemes, applying for funding, monitoring programme outcomes and liaising with clubs, coaches and volunteers. You also promote active lifestyles among underrepresented groups such as older adults, people with disabilities and those from disadvantaged communities.

Leaving Certificate subjects such as Physical Education, Biology, Business and Mathematics provide a useful foundation for this career. The most common route is a Level 7 or Level 8 degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Management, or Leisure and Recreation Management, available at institutions such as TU Dublin, ATU, UL, MTU and SETU. Some graduates supplement their degree with a Level 9 postgraduate qualification in Sports Management, Public Health or Community Development. A PLC (Level 5 or 6) in Sport and Recreation at a College of Further Education can serve as an entry point to a degree via the CAO or as standalone preparation for support roles. Relevant practical experience through volunteering, coaching qualifications (such as those awarded by Sport Ireland or national governing bodies) and Garda vetting are typically expected by employers.