Sport and recreation covers the running of amateur and professional sports clubs and the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles through sporting activities.

Careers in the industry include:

• coaching
• officiating
• sports development
• administration
• sports or leisure facility management.

In the UK the industry pays a workforce of 621,000 across 40,000 businesses and organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Obesity-related diseases are becoming more and more frequent. One key government objective is to improve the health of the nation through sport and physical activity.

Sports Councils across the UK have various initiatives designed to get people involved in sport, keep them engaged with sport, and achieve success at major sporting events.

Athletes at the highest level need the daily support of a number of professions including:

• physiotherapists
• nutrition experts
• psychologists
• coaches.

Sport is also important for community development, a tool for engaging with:

• disillusioned adults
• young people not in education or training
• the general public during major sporting events.

Other related professions include:

• teaching
• marketing
• manufacturing
• events management
• youth and community work
• public relations
• hospitality
• journalism and media
• sports law
• retail.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will offer many job opportunities, both in the lead up and delivery of the Games. Please visit the website at: www.london2012.com.

For information on grounds maintenance and green keeping contact: www.lantra.co.uk or
The Institute of Groundsmanship at: www.iog.org.

For information about working in the creative media industry contact: www.skillset.org.