Working Environment

Team sportspersons usually attend practices/training during the week and play in matches at weekends and bank holidays or on weekday evenings.

Most sportsmen/women are self-employed in their sporting capacities. Some have one-year contracts and may change employers regularly. Footballers may be put on the transfer list, which may involve relocation.

A lot of time can be spent travelling to matches.

Sportspeople play indoors or outdoors in a variety of weather conditions depending on the sport.

Team Sportsman Related Skills

To be a team sportsperson you should:

• have considerable talent and aptitude in your sport
• be prepared to work as part of a team
• have a competitive nature, be self-disciplined and committed to improving performance
• have a high standard of personal fitness and the stamina to cope with a demanding routine
• be able to cope with the stress of top competitions
• be prepared to follow the advice of coaches, nutritionists and physiotherapists.

Team Sportsman Career Opportunities

Professional opportunities are available in football, cricket, basketball, rugby, ice hockey, and hockey.

Many clubs have a limited number of players comprising a first team and a couple of substitutes. Most players work on a renewable contract basis. Some are self-employed. Players may begin their careers as unpaid amateurs.

Advancement in team sports is often through securing a regular first team place and then being selected for national teams. There may be opportunities to play abroad.

Because playing careers are often short some players develop contacts outside their sport, such as in business, so that they have opportunities when they retire from active sport. Some move into coaching, team management, outdoor pursuits, journalism, sports clothing design or sports centre work.