Gone are the days when sports were considered a supplementary act, today the sports industry, in its own right, is a leading global sector for opportunities, both in the field of education and future career pathways.
A recent report by the Business Research Company affirms that the global sports market grew from $486.61 billion in 2022 to $512.14 billion with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. It is also predicted to grow to $623.63 billion in 2027. This data unleashes the sheer potential of the industry across the globe. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 sets the mandate for a curriculum that integrates sports into learning and ensures that fitness as a mode of well-being is a lifelong work in progress. Governments across states are also working at amping the sector. Odisha government’s budget allocated Rs `1217 crores to sports education and infrastructure, the Tamil Nadu government is setting up Sports Schools of Excellence across the state to encourage sports and make it accessible to government school students, and the Kerala government’s new sports policy aims to embed sports and physical education into the school curriculum.
Not to forget that even though over the years India has contributed significantly to the global sports arena, over recent years, Indian Premier League, Indian Super League, Pro Kabaddi League, Hockey India League, India Badminton League and so many more have put the country on the global map of high potential business opportunities in the field.
With an industry with such an exponential growth graph, comes the growing need for skilled and trained professionals to fit this market. While passion for sports helps, it is critical attaining knowledge of the nuances of the sport, sports management, the psychological skill at play, supporting services relevant to the sports, and many more aspects. Courses in sports education, science, and management provide well-rounded perspectives and training, available across reputed global and Indian institutions.
There are more than a few rewards if you wish to deep dive into this sector
Key Skills
Critical thinking, adaptability and creativity help form a leader, and so do interpersonal skills. You will be moulded with these and more as part of your sports education programmes.
Umpteen choices in career roles
A world of opportunities opens for you as a sports specialist, from being a trainer, coach, marketing ninja, merchandiser, physical therapist, and athlete manager to so much more. You choose what aligns best with your dreams and aspirations but you will be eligible for most.
Become an Entrepreneur
In a booming industry, turning a unique idea of your own into a revenue and impact-generating machine is of high potential. With the skills and knowledge you gain, and utilizing the network you build, you could turn into an independent consultant, a niche sports brand, a strategy specialist, or an event manager.
Earning Potential
When an industry creates a micro-economy of its own, the returns of being an active participant in the industry are directly proportional. If you wish to climb up the ladder and do it soon, pursuing advanced courses in the field could open doors to many lucrative options.
Make an Impact
Sports have been considered an inevitable aid for mental and physical well-being. Many countries ravaged by war have used sports as a mechanism for building the skills of children who are going through the trauma of lost years. Sports have also been used as a tool of activism to provide equity of access to education and presence on the table, all over the world. If you have always looked at ways to make a difference, you are on the right path.
Work with Stellar Brands and Eminent Clients
It is undeniable that working with brands and clients that are at the centre stage can be an exhilarating experience. With the sports industry encompassing some of the most high-profile celebrities in the world, for many sports enthusiasts, this is a dream come true.
Sports education and training are at the forefront of the career revolution and will be creating millions of jobs for the future of work. As Industry 5.0 stands at our door, sports careers empowered by tech will create a seamless transcendence into human-machine engagement. While it needs to be seen how AI will penetrate the sports market deeper, what we do know now is that gaining prowess in the world of sports education will definitely set you up for niche roles across the spectrum and set you apart. Go on and explore the options of your choice, today.
Lekshmi Gopinathan Nair
Chief Editor, Education Today