When it comes to starting out in sports the single most important way to get ahead is by demonstrating a passion for the industry. As you’ll soon come to realise, everyone in this sector was a budding athlete who was an ACL injury away from becoming a professional. While being able to regale your tale of woe on a night out is a precursor to success, watching and playing sport is not enough to demonstrate why you want to work in the industry. Passion is key but proving that passion through action is what really sets you apart. And while there are many ways to do that, internships and volunteering are a sure fire way to ensure your application stands out from the crowd.
Volunteering
The idea of working in sport for many is a sexy notion. So sexy in fact that it makes trying to get an internship without experience almost impossible. But wait, to get an internship, you need experience… and to get experience, you need an internship. Welcome to the “Great Experience Dilemma,” or what many new grads call the “New Graduate’s Dilemma.” It’s an age-old challenge. Sometimes, you just need someone to take a chance on you – to see past the lack of experience and recognize your potential. But that doesn’t always happen.
The opportunities to volunteer in sports are endless. Whether it’s with teams, governing bodies, or major events, 99% of sports organizations are constantly on the lookout for extra help. Below is a list of some key organizations where you can get involved:
- BUCS Volunteering Opportunities
• London FA Volunteering Roles
• Team London Volunteering for Major Sporting Events
• House of Volunteers
Non-League Football: A Hidden Gem for Experience
One of the best volunteering opportunities in my opinion is with a non-league football club. Full disclosure – I play non-league football myself, so there’s a bit of bias there. But I also see first-hand the value that comes with being involved. Most non-league clubs are primarily run by volunteers, many of whom are passionate about giving back to their community. They’re generally very open to fresh ideas and eager for help, especially since they often lack the time and resources to innovate.
This presents a fantastic opportunity. Whether it’s managing the club’s social media, marketing, filming games, editing content, or even handling ticketing, you’d be gaining hands-on experience that’s typically reserved for higher management roles at professional clubs. Not only would you be making a meaningful impact on the club and its community, but you’d also have concrete achievements to highlight on your CV and discuss in future interviews.
And if you’re looking for a contact at a local club to get involved, feel free to reach out to us at Starting Out Sports – we’re happy to help!
Internships
Internships are often the final step before landing a full-time job. They’re invaluable for two key reasons: the hands-on work experience you’ll gain and, equally important, the contacts you’ll make along the way. While there are plenty of internships popping up all the time, here are three standout opportunities you should definitely consider applying to:
Two Circles Internship
Link: https://twocircles.com/gb/internship-opportunities/
When to apply: Applications Close on 28th February 2025
Start Date: June and September 2025
Length of Internship: 6 weeks
Location: London, UK
Application Process: Cover letter and CV followed by a rigorous application process.
The Company:
Two Circles is a sports marketing agency that was one of the pioneers in using data to drive decision-making in the industry. They help teams and brands better connect with fans and grow their business through data-driven strategies. By focusing on fan engagement and revenue growth, they’ve set the standard for blending creative marketing with deep insights to help sports organizations make smarter, more impactful decisions.
What you will be doing
- Help on various projects including using a variety of data to help them achieve a range of objectives. Some of these can be about growing their fanbase – others can be related to growing revenue which can be reinvested back into their sport.
- The successful candidate for this opportunity will also participate in a Two Circles mentorship programme that sits alongside workplace training. This includes a programme of career advice, CV writing, buddying, mentoring and more. Drive the New Account Request process.
Adidas Internship
Link: https://careers.adidas-group.com/teams/students/internships-students?locale=en
When to apply: February/March 2025
Start Date: September 2025
Length of Internship: 12 months
Location: Stockport, UK
Application Process: Instead of a traditional cover letter, Adidas asks candidates to explain what their slogan “Impossible is Nothing” means to them in a one page document.
The Company:
Adidas is a global sportswear company based in Germany, known for its innovative designs in athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. It is one of the largest sports brands in the world, recognized for its iconic three-stripe logo. Adidas is a major sponsor in global sports, partnering with athletes, teams, and events across football, basketball, and other disciplines.
What you will be doing:
- Collate and maintain customer data across systems and business tools
- Coordinate and update maintenance of the customer segmentation database
- Support customer audit processes
- Drive the New Account Request process
- Coordinate collation of account strategic business plans
CSM Internship
Link: https://www.csm.com/grassroots/
When to apply: May 2025
Start Date: June 2025
Length of Internship: 3-6 months
Location: London, UK
Application Process: create a short video and submit a written answer telling CSM why you want the internship.
The Company:
CSM is a global agency that helps sports teams, brands, and events create memorable experiences for their audiences. They work on strategy, creative campaigns, and partnerships to help clients connect with fans in meaningful ways. CSM is known for its expertise across sports and entertainment, helping organizations boost engagement and achieve commercial success.
What you will be doing:
- Manage key partnerships across sports and entertainment, including cricket, football, rugby, Formula 1, and baseball.
- Support event planning and delivery.
- Conduct desk research and assist with media relations, including drafting media materials and developing PR toolkits.
- Report on events and projects, and assist with creating briefing documents.
As always, we’re here to help. If you need advice on your CV, tips on interview questions, or general guidance about the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Starting Out Sports.
