Sports

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• getting specialist training from an industry body

University

There is no set entry route to become a professional cycle coach but getting a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a sports-related subject like sports science could give you an advantage.

If you're a competitive cyclist, you could do a foundation degree in cycling performance or cycling studies.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by starting with an intermediate apprenticeship as a community activator coach.

This apprenticeship is recognised by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

For more information

• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Volunteering and work experience

You can develop your coaching skills through volunteering.

British Cycling has details on how you can get involved with your local club, coaching and cycling events. There are opportunities in road and track racing, BMX and mountain biking.

Other routes

You can do training through a professional body like British Cycling, who offer qualifications in coaching. For example:

• Level 1 Foundation Award in Coaching Cycling
• Level 2 Certificate in Developing your Coaching
• Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Cycling - for working with individual riders and planning detailed training programmes

Bursaries or grants may be available to help you train as a cycling coach.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• have insurance
• pass enhanced background checks
• have a first aid certificate
• be over 18 years of age

More information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a cycling coach and coaching qualifications from British Cyclingand.

View all vacancies in this region

You could work for British Cycling as a development coach, introducing people to cycling, or working on talent programmes to support cyclists.

You could work as a coach for a local authority or organisation with an interest in sports development at places like BMX tracks, mountain bike trail centres or indoor cycling tracks.

You could become a self-employed coach and design training programmes for amateur riders.

You could also become a cycling instructor through the Bikeability scheme, teaching young people how to cycle safety on roads. If you work with young people, you could move into sports development or youth work.

With experience, you could transfer your skills and abilities to other areas of the sports industry.