Sports Workforce

Providing high-quality hands-on opportunities for students who are passionate about pursuing a career in sport or eager to support our university community's active experience.

Our programme offers a range of applied learning opportunities that will contribute to your student experience and help you develop skills for later employment.

Whilst working with us, you will have access to expert knowledge and support from industry professionals based here at Derby. You will be supervised by a member of the staff team, and work closely with other professional staff, athletes, and fellow students for the duration of your role.

The following types of opportunity are available:

  1. Applied Practice opportunities – these roles are linked to academic programs of study and include formal and informal training, as well as structured practice (e.g. strength & conditioning, performance analysis, sports coaching). 

  2. Active Experience opportunities – these roles support the broader engagement of our students and staff in our UoD Active program. They may provide formal and informal training opportunities and/or payment (e.g. Halls Sports Rep, Sports Activator, Walk Leader, Football Referee). 

  3. General opportunities - these roles are varied and offered on an ad-hoc basis supporting elements of both our Performance and Participation sport programmes and initiatives.

Workforce roles

We are offering the following opportunities this year.

Gain applied experience in performance sport, helping to deliver support services to our Sports Scholars and Performance and Development teams.

  • Strength and Conditioning – supporting the strength and conditioning team in the coaching of athletes to develop movement quality
  • Performance Analysis – leading in the capture and analysis of match video footage for selected teams and individuals
  • Sport Psychology – assisting the delivery of psychology support to the performance athletes through workshops and team sessions

Requirements

To be considered for the above roles you will need to be studying on a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme (Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Psychology, etc) and have either completed or be in the process of completing a related study module.

Gain applied experience in sports development and participation, helping deliver our UoD Active programme including Team Derby Football Leagues, Just Play, Halls Sport competitions and Get Active Events.

  • Sports Activators - supporting the delivery of the UoD Active programme for our student and staff community.
  • Football Referees - officiating our Team Derby Football leagues, Halls Sport events and one-off competitions.
  • Halls Sport Representative - supporting the delivery of the Halls Sport programme for students living in university halls of residence.
  • Photographers - supporting us to create inspiring images and video content of our events and activities, and helping to showcase sport at the University.

Requirements

To be considered for a sports activator role, you will need some experience in organising or leading sports activities for people of different ability levels, backgrounds and motivations.

Referees will ideally have a relevant qualification (e.g. FA Referee - Level 7) but we will also consider applications from individuals who are able to demonstrate competency in officiating the adult game.

If you want to try volunteering but can't commit, we are always looking for keen individuals to support our Performance and Participation programmes on a one-off or occasional basis, helping us to showcase and deliver sport and activity, here at Derby.

We have ad-hoc opportunities throughout the year in a range of areas including Halls Sports competitions, refereeing/officiating, Just Play sport, photography, media/marketing, and at our Get Active events. 

Please register your interest with us to receive details of any upcoming volunteer vacancies.

Image of male student holding a bundle of football bibs

As a football activator I've developed my leadership and communication skills, delivering weekly Just Play sessions to a large group. It's been great to have a positive impact helping other students get the most out of being active.

Harry Youd
BSc (Hons) Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health

Benefits

Our programme offers great benefits, including:

MSc Intern Joe, talking to male athlete in performance suite

The most hands-on year of my 4-year experience. Fantastic to learn new approaches to programming and improve my self-confidence and adaptability

Joseph Andrews-Cifre
MSc Intern - Strength & Conditioning

Join our Sports Workforce team

We are now recruiting for various sports workforce opportunities for 2024-2025.

If you wish to be considered for one of our roles, please register your interest here.

We will then email you with details of any current vacancies and information on how to apply. 

To keep up to date and to follow our students' journey through their roles follow @teamderby on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

two interns in the hpu

An invaluable chance to develop as a practitioner, learning real world skills in the field

Aaron Anderson & Freddie Norris
MSc Interns - Strength & Conditioning