Navigating the Sports Recruitment Minefield

The world of recruitment in sport is, quite frankly, a minefield. Clubs, teams, governing bodies, and agencies are often juggling multiple organizations at the same time, while others prefer to handle recruitment directly. It’s tough to figure out who’s working with who, and transparency is rarely a given. To make things even trickier, some companies don’t use sport-specific recruiters, instead opting for agencies that handle recruitment across a range of industries. And then there’s the question of trust: when a recruitment agency contacts you, are they legit, or just going to waste your time?

First off, it’s important to know that most of the big-name recruitment companies in sport focus almost exclusively on executive-level positions. Companies like Sporting Jobs, F1 Recruitment, McBride Sport, and Nolan Partners are all highly respected, but this blog is going to zero in on recruitment firms that focus more on entry-level and mid-management roles.

Should I Trust One?

A key concern for many job seekers is whether they can actually trust recruitment companies. Research shows that trust in recruitment agencies can be shaky, with around 45% of candidates reporting negative experiences, often feeling misled or neglected during the process. However, when candidates work with reputable agencies, 78% report feeling supported and receiving valuable guidance throughout their job search. The takeaway? Do your research. Stick with agencies that have a proven track record and a real understanding of the sports industry, not just recruitment in general.

With that in mind, let’s cut through the noise and highlight some recruitment agencies that are genuinely good to work with.

Level Equals

Established in 2021 by Miles Lloyd and Francis Kelly, Level Equals aims to offer a de-biased recruitment solution to the UK’s Sports, Recreation & Leisure industries. This approach is novel in the recruitment game, particularly in sport. They’ve recently worked with the Premier League, covering both football and rugby, and their process is data-driven and rigorous. Having worked with them myself, I can’t speak highly enough about their transparency and the quality of their candidates. They really know their stuff.

SERV Recruitment

SERV is a boutique agency, set up in 2020 by Will O’Meara and James Burgees. With a small team of three, they focus primarily on entry-level and mid-management roles, with a particular emphasis on the Southwest London region where they’re based. The best thing about SERV is the personal touch. They take the time to really get to know the companies they work with and the candidates they place. It’s not just about ticking boxes; they focus on finding the right cultural fit, whether it’s an executive role or something more hands-on. Working with SERV feels more like having a partner in your corner rather than just dealing with another agency, which makes the process feel far more human and less transactional.

Executives in Sport Group

Don’t be misled by the name. The Executives in Sport Group handle recruitment at all levels, not just the top-tier jobs. Founded in 2012, they’ve got over a decade of experience and a reputation as one of the most recognizable names in sports recruitment. They’ve worked with almost all the big players in the sports world and really understand the ins and outs of the industry. Plus, they offer some great insights on what senior decision-makers are looking for when they’re hiring – definitely worth checking out if you want a peek behind the curtain.

If you need any help with your CV or advice about any recruitment firms that have reached out to you, feel free to contact us at Starting Out Sports. We’re here to help!