In this guide, you'll find out everything you need to become an S&C Coach.
After reading it, you'll be equipped with the knowledge necessary to start your own journey and build a new career as an S&C Coach.
The Strength and Conditioning Coach is in charge of developing and managing a strength and conditioning program for all sports, with the three main objectives of enhancing athletic performance, decreasing sporting injuries, and teaching lifetime fitness and mobility skills.
Because a strength and conditioning coach’s role is more specialised, they frequently deal with athletes and clientele who are more than just interested in fitness.
Your guide will give you full information about salary, qualifications and career progressions. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak with one of our expert Career Advisers, who can provide friendly, no-obligation advice about your options and help you get started if you’re ready.
Following the five simple steps below, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a Strength and Conditioning Coach…
As an S&C Coach, you’ll work within a larger strength and conditioning team at a professional sports club.
An S&C Trainer in this position could be referred to as ‘Assistant S&C Coach’.
Strength and conditioning coaches also have important roles and duties, such as:
There are essentially two routes you can take to become a Strength and Conditioning Coach:
Academic route – BSc in Sports Science or S&C (you can opt for MSc in Sports Science or S&C afterward).
However, a degree is not needed to become an accredited S&C Coach.
Depending on the role employers may look for UKSCA full accreditation or that the course is UKSCA recognised (like ours).
S&C Trainers can choose to enter higher education and take an undergraduate degree. If they have relevant experience, they could apply directly for a Master’s degree; the criteria for which will vary from university to university.
Non-academic route – You can qualify as S&C Trainer and then become an S&C Coach.
Plus, as above, some voluntary internships whilst studying to get some vocational experience.
However, they more often look for UKSCA recognition and accreditation.
Some may ask for degrees, but this amount is reducing as the UKSCA coaches/trainers are becoming far more popular.
Choosing the correct training provider might be overwhelming if you’re new to the field.
Here are some things to keep in mind while you go through this procedure.
When choosing a strength and conditioning course, make sure it’s governed by an Ofqual certified awarding organisation.
This regulation indicates that the course has fulfilled industry standards, which is important if you want to get work.
Once you have completed your courses or whilst studying, it’s highly recommended to start some voluntary internships and get vocational experience to enhance your practical skills.
You can volunteer at your local club, shadowing S&C Coaches there. Once established as an S&C Trainer, you may want to progress towards becoming an Accredited S&C Coach, which is a job requirement for many roles in professional sports.
On average, a Strength and Conditioning Coach in the UK earns £24,634 according to Payscale, and £32,109 according to Glassdoor.
Find out more about S&C salaries.
