What’s happening in the sector
Through their work, sport and physical activity professionals contribute to a wide range of benefits to society as a whole.
Influencing government policy
Increasing the health of the population through sport and physical activity – supported by our sector workforce – is essential to boosting the economy and improving many other aspects of life in the UK for everyone.
Through the impact of the work of sport and physical activity professionals, from coaches working in deprived communities to leisure managers offering valuable work placements to young people, our sector is showing the government that sport and physical activity is a priority and must be incorporated into policies and action.
When you join the sector, you are taking action to show how important active wellbeing is in the UK and influence political change.
Reducing unemployment
As a sector, we open the door to engaging young people who feel the most excluded from learning and work, we prevent people developing chronic health conditions which can prevent them from working, we help those experiencing health and wellbeing barriers to be more active boosting their recovery and we offer fantastic opportunities for people looking for a fulfilling dynamic career.
Sport and physical activity can be a means to people developing their confidence and resilience, building other valuable skills such as communication and team work as well as providing a positive purpose.
Reducing pressure on healthcare services
Ensuring that the UK population is healthier overall through active wellbeing can allow those who do need medical care to receive it more efficiently. The effect that the sport and physical activity sector can have is widespread and improves the functionality of healthcare services on all levels. Potential impact spans from reducing hospital waiting lists to GP appointment scarcity and even the time it takes for an ambulance to be available for emergencies.
With active wellbeing hubs and exercise referral schemes becoming more and more common, sport and physical activity professionals are helping individuals to improve their health and in doing so reducing strain on healthcare services.
Improving opportunities for disadvantaged groups
Acting as role models for young people
Not only can having a positive role model in a sport and physical activity space improve their fitness, but having an adult that they look up to can build a young person’s confidence, behaviour and overall happiness. These effects are only amplified by the role model being someone that they are in close contact with, such as a coach, rather than a celebrity.
Recognising sport and physical activity professionals
There is a clear evidence base for the power of sport and physical activity to realise health, wellness, economic and social value benefits for the United Kingdom, but in the past, many people have only seen sport and physical activity roles as part-time jobs.
CIMSPA is ensuring that sector professionals have access to high-quality training, career progression opportunities and guidance resources to empower people to work in our sector in a sustainable career pathway.
We are also working to ensure that employers, other sectors and the public recognise the outstanding work that they do.