Sports Programme Coordinator

As a Sports Programme Coordinator you plan, organise, and manage sporting and recreational initiatives on behalf of organisations such as Sport Ireland, Local Sports Partnerships, national governing bodies, or community groups. Your day-to-day work involves developing sport and physical activity programmes, liaising with schools, clubs, local authorities, and health agencies to promote participation across all age groups. You monitor programme budgets, track participation targets, write funding applications and evaluation reports, and ensure that all facilities and activities comply with health, safety, and hygiene legislation. You frequently attend community events, meetings with stakeholders, and partner organisation briefings, making this a varied and outward-facing role.

A Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor degree is the typical minimum entry requirement, with subjects such as Sports Science, Recreation and Leisure Management, or Community Development commonly accepted. Relevant degree programmes are offered at institutions such as TU Dublin, ATU, MTU, SETU, and TUS, and a Level 8 Honours Bachelor degree in Sports Management, Physical Education, or a related field will strengthen your application considerably. Leaving Certificate subjects that provide a useful foundation include Physical Education, Biology, Business, and Geography, as they develop analytical, scientific, and organisational thinking. Some entrants progress via a QQI Level 5 or 6 PLC course in Sport and Recreation before advancing to a higher education programme through the CAO or a linked progression route. Postgraduate study at Level 9, such as an MSc in Sports Management or Community Development, is increasingly valued for senior roles, particularly those involving policy development within Sport Ireland or larger national governing bodies. No single statutory registration body governs this profession, but membership of professional networks such as Sport Ireland's Local Sports Partnership network and relevant national governing bodies supports career progression.