Community Sports Development – BA in Limerick Institute of Technology, Ireland

Community Sports Development – BA in Limerick Institute of Technology

What is the programme about?

Community Sports Development is the promotion of sports activities within communities. Sports Development Officers typically work with specific sports such as hurling, football, soccer & rugby, or with target populations such as children & younger people, older adults, women, ethnic groups, people with disabilities or people living in socially disadvantaged areas. The role of the Sports Coach is complementary to that of the Sports Development Officer. Their job description incredibly diverse and may include friend, mentor, instructor, planner, analyst, counsellor, organiser, demonstrator, disciplinarian, physical trainer, psychologist, nutritionist and leader. Successful coaches are innovative, constantly learning and evolving, always challenging themselves and their athletes to improve. 

This programme aims to develop high quality graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in this dynamic, exciting, challenging and potentially lucrative industry. We have professional links with numerous sporting organisations including Sport Ireland and the network of Local Sports Partnerships, the National Governing Bodies of Sport such as the IRFU, GAA & FAI, local sports clubs and community organisations, disability groups, local gyms & leisure centres, the Great Limerick Run, Munster Rugby & Limerick F.C. External training courses such as FAI Kick Start, Leprechaun Rugby, GAA Foundation & Level 1 and the Child Protection course enhance the student’s career prospects and employability. This programme would be a great choice for anyone wishing to pursue a career in sports development or sports coaching.

Who is the programme suited to?

The programme will suit individuals with a passion for people, sport and exercise. You will need to enjoy working in a team environment with people of all ages, from different backgrounds and with different abilities. Community sports development is a large and diverse area offering many opportunities within the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Further Studies

The benefits of sport and physical activity both to the individual and the community are well established. The increased professionalism of sport and the growing scientific approach to fitness ensures continued demand for jobs in sport and community related activities.

On successful completion of the programme, graduates can seek work with local authority sport development teams, national governing bodies of sport, community groups, schools and out of schools programmes, creches, sport clubs or youth organisations. They may also apply for graduate jobs in both the public and private sectors.

Graduates can also progress to a one year, add-on Level 8 honours degree in Community Sports Development at LIT.