Sports development officers fall into two main types: generic and sports specific.
Generic sports development officers deal with the development of sport generally, usually within a defined geographical area and for a specific population group. Glasgow City Council's youth sport development officers are examples of this type.
Sports specific officers deal with the development of one particular sport or a group of related sports, for example, Dumfries and Galloway Council's football development officer.
Whether generic or sports specific, a sports development officer's work involves formulating and implementing policies and strategies with a view to increasing and maintaining participation and improving standards of performance.
This work may be done at local, regional, national, European and even international level and will involve working closely in partnership with other key organisations.
An increasing number of sports development officers are being employed by local authorities. Sports development officers are also employed by the governing bodies of sport to develop their specific sports and also by national sports organisations, such as sportscotland, to develop sport at this level.
There are no specific qualifications required for entry into sports development work. Sports development officers come from a variety of backgrounds such as professional sport, coaching, PE teaching and leisure management.
A thorough knowledge of sport or a range of sports, political awareness, excellent communication skills and the ability to build good working relationships with client groups and other partners is required.
Training opportunities are available at an elementary level with many Scottish colleges now offering Scottish Qualification Authority courses with a sports development component.
Further information can be obtained from your local careers service or your guidance teacher if you are still at school.