[absolution]

I have been working in the fitness industry since 1998 and in that time have worked as a Fitness Instructor at David Lloyds, Virgin active and Total Fitness and also spent a season working as full time conditioning coach for a Superleague team. (I was lucky to be offered job for 1 season as I was coaching Under 21's at time)

Since my season in Superleague, I have only been able to pick up bits and bobs of conditioning roles within rugby clubs.

Personal Training is my bread and butter and I would be reluctant to give it up but I am itching to work with athletes again. Anyone on here work with athletes in any capacity. In the States they even have Strength coaches in high schools i.e. Dan John.

Any advice? I would like to works with sportsmen in areas I know such as rugby, soccer or boxing but would be willing to be more flexible should the chance arise.

[CrossFit Essex]

absolution, on 01 March 2010 - 06:32 PM, said:

I have been working in the fitness industry since 1998 and in that time have worked as a Fitness Instructor at David Lloyds, Virgin active and Total Fitness and also spent a season working as full time conditioning coach for a Superleague team. (I was lucky to be offered job for 1 season as I was coaching Under 21's at time)

Since my season in Superleague, I have only been able to pick up bits and bobs of conditioning roles within rugby clubs.

Personal Training is my bread and butter and I would be reluctant to give it up but I am itching to work with athletes again. Anyone on here work with athletes in any capacity. In the States they even have Strength coaches in high schools i.e. Dan John.

Any advice? I would like to works with sportsmen in areas I know such as rugby, soccer or boxing but would be willing to be more flexible should the chance arise.

I would look at UKSCA accreditation. That seems to be a must for most full time positions.

[Franz29]

Agreed, the UKSCA seems to be fast becoming the de-facto standard in the industry at the moment. Their level 1 stuff is , by all accounts, very basic but it's one of those things you have to do I guess.

[absolution]

Damn, just joined BWLA! Hard to know what sports clubs/teams are looking for these days. In my experience it is sometimes who you know not what you know, especially in rugby and soccer. Looking into boxing and mma conditioning but again, went to Caged Steel in Dewsbury and they were happy for me to get involved in conditioning role but wouldnt pay me to do it. I find that individual athletes in this country don't have the money to pay a strength coach or they get coaching from the club. Shame really. I may consider the UKSCA but if I am looking to do a BWLA course this year it is all money out rather than in. I know you have to speculate to accumulate but I spent £15,000 on my own gym only to sell it all on ebay 3 years later for £3000. You live and learn.

[absolution]

I have just joined UKSCA so am now a member of both.

I am now confused as to which to start with. A UKSCA module or BWLA Cert. If I want to work with athletes as opposed to lifters am I better going the UKSCA route?

Is anyone on here accredited? Shall I start with Foundation level 1 and then work on Lifting for sports, programme design and plyo modules?

All a bit confusing.

Also, when I look at most job requests they ask for degrees as well as UKSCA accreditation. I have no degree as I worked for a living from 16 yrs old so am I p###ing in the wind wanting to be considered for a S & C role? I was lucky to land my previous job with a Superleague team. I havent been able to replicate that luck since even I am now a far better and more experienced athlete and coach than I was back then.

[Gubernatrix]

Maybe you should write to your top ten employers and ask them what they want.

[absolution]

I spoke with Head Conditioner at Wakefield Wildcats today and he told me that the fact that he had his PhD in Exercise Science (or Physiology, not sure which) has helped hime secure work in top level Cricket and Rugby.
He reckoned BASES and NSCA are more reputable than UKSCA and BWLA. I am all confused now.

I may just write up a list of sports clubs/teams in my area and contact them direct.

You would think with 2012 on the horizon that it was a good time to be in our industry. I may look to work at Under 18/21 level again just to get back in the mix. I did it last time for expenses and enjoyed working with the younger players.