Sports development officers fall into two main types: generic and sports specific.

Generic sports development officers deal with the development of sport generally, usually within a defined geographical area and for a specific population group.

Kerrier Leisure Team

Sports specific officers deal with the development of one particular sport or a group of related sports.

Cornwall Sports Partnership

This work may be done at local, regional, national, european and even international level and will involve working closely in partnership with other key organisations.

An increasing number of sports development officers are being employed by local authorities. Sports development officers are also employed by the governing bodies of sport to develop their specific sports and also by national sports organisations, such as sportengland, to develop sport at this level.

There are no specific qualifications required for entry into sports development work. Sports development officers come from a variety of backgrounds such as professional sport, coaching, PE teaching and leisure management.

A thorough knowledge of sport or a range of sports, political awareness, excellent communication skills and the ability to build good working relationships with client groups and other partners is required.

Training opportunities are available at an elementary level with many colleges now offering courses with a sports development component, for more details contact Claire Atterbury at Cornwall College.

Further information can be obtained from your local careers service or your guidance teacher if you are still at school.