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How will an internship prepare me for a career in sports coaching?

With sports of all things the best way to get perfect is practice, how about 3 months practice?

If any career is the essence of �practice makes perfect’ it’s sports coaching! Not only does this well used proverb apply to all the hard work that goes into becoming a sports coach, it will apply long after you’ve begun your career as a trainer, a teacher, an athlete, anything! It’s not just down to work outs, there’s a lot of science involved in sports too and if your dream is to teach in the classroom or even just privately you are going to need some qualifications.

Qualifications

Unfortunately it’s not just as easy as being a talented sportsperson, teaching sports will require certification and perhaps even a degree depending on what you want to do. No matter what you do, you’ll need a coaching qualification which is recognized by the NGB (National Governing Body) for your sport.

What you’ll need to be a PE teacher;

A levels in subjects such as Biology, chemistry and maths (yes maths, it will be an important part of working out just how much exercise to do!).
Followed by a degree in a subject such as; coaching, sports science, sports studies, movement studies or physical education.
Or a foundation degree in sports coaching.
Or a BTEC HNC/HND in Leisure Studies.
Followed by a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) to enable you to become a fully qualified teacher.
And a lot of on the job experience, you will be given placements but you will also be expected to find work on a voluntary basis.

It’s a not quite as straightforward with private or general coaching. Each NGB has its own rules and regulations for each sport but it usually goes something like this;

What you’ll need to be a coach;

Introductory course for beginners, providing you with the basics to help in a sports club.
Level 1 - Assistant Coach.
Level 2 - Full Coach.
Level 3 - Full Coach with additional responsibilities such as mentoring other coaches.
Level 4 - Regional Coach.
Level 5 - Elite Coach.
Again, a lot of experience, which teaching on the job can give you but you’ll also need to prove your dedication by getting involved with voluntary work.

How can an internship help?

With so many qualifications to get under your belt an internship might seem like just another thing on the list but think again! Internships are actually a great way of crossing off one of your to dos! Whether you’ve always dreamed of cultivating a class of future athletes or if you long for the freedom to coach scuba diving in the Bahamas, experience is one of the most important things you’re going to need and an internship is a great way to get it!

Courses can offer placements but you’ll often find that it’s a requirement to arrange your own work experience and for a very good reason! Schools, clubs and clients will want to know that you’ve got what it takes to get your pupils up to speed and an important part of proving that is going out there and doing it; what better way could there be than a sports coaching internship?

It’s not just your average work experience; an internship will give you the chance to actually do the job so you’ll really know what you’re doing. You’ll have the chance to see what it’s like to plan and structure your own training programmes, run your own training sessions and watch your team improve as your teaching does! When it comes to finding a job that suits you, you’ll have a much better idea of how to do things and that’s something most employers are very keen to see!

Why abroad?

If you thought a few weeks teaching football at your local club was hard, how about a months boxing training in Thailand! As well as benefitting your skills and your career deciding to do your internship abroad will give you the chance to travel! From surf coaching in Rio to soccer coaching in Kenya the opportunities for development and new experiences are vast!

Internships abroad offer not only a very rewarding challenge but the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture and way of life. Living and working amongst the community you’ll encounter an entirely different way of doing things which can both enhance and test your skills, giving you fresh ideas to come home with!

Being put on the spot might sound scary but it’s actually the best way to finish off all that theoretical training, things don’t always go to plan and learning to improvise and work with the particular skill set of the team in front of you are very important elements of being a good coach! If sports are your passion then we don’t need to tell you how great working with people is, but it is surprising just how much a team can develop with some good coaching, especially in developing countries. A true appreciation of a good united attitude, enthusiasm and the resources you have at hand are just some of the things an internship abroad can provide.

So if you fancy getting a taste of the unknown before starting coaching back home, why not have a look at a few of these;

www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk

www.i-to-i.com

http://www.i-to-i.com/campfire/travel-guides/44-Are-internships-abroad-worth-it-

http://www.i-to-i.com/campfire/travel-guides/77-Internships-at-home-versus-overseas-