Becoming a professional in sport is a dream for many youngsters, but the reality is that many find it difficult to secure their dream career path in sports. Indeed, a very small percentage of athletes reach professional sports levels. From football to gymnastics, competition is fierce, and the success rates across different academies, pathways, and sports programs are low. However, being unsuccessful in a sports career doesn’t have to be the end of the road. In fact, it can be the beginning of a new journey!
The Reality of Professional Sports
The UK is home to a wide array of sports academies, training institutes, and development pathways. Each offers young athletes the opportunity to chase their dream of going professional sports person. However, the numbers tell a different story.
Football academies have a success rate of just 1-2%, meaning most aspiring players won’t make it to the Premier League.
Rugby academies fare slightly better. According to the Rugby Players' Association (RPA), around 5-10% of players go on to secure professional contracts.
Cricket Academies report similar findings. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reports that around 5-10% of county cricket academy players turn professional, although fewer will play internationally.
For sports like swimming only 1-2% of academy hopefuls progress to international levels or top rankings. Similar stats are reported by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and other tennis organisations. They show fewer than 2-3% of tennis academy players make it into the top 500 world rankings.
In other sports, like golf, approximately 5-8% of young golfers in talent pathways turn professional (as reported by England Golf). However, only a fraction will succeed on the international stage. Success rates are a little higher in cycling and rowing, 10-15%. This is largely due to structured development programs.
Whilst we don't want to stifle your dreams, the statistics don't lie. Even with elite pathways, scholarships, and private coaching, most athletes face disappointment.
Unsuccessful in a Sports Career? You’re not Alone.
In addition to the competitive nature of training to become a professional sports person, many face other obstacles. Injury and mental burnout are common challenges that cause many to leave sport altogether. According to a 2019 study published in The Journal of Sports Sciences, injuries are a major cause of dropout, affecting 30-50% of young athletes in contact sports like rugby and football. Likewise, psychological burnout is often cited as a significant reason for athletes leaving sports early. A study by The British Journal of Sports Medicine noted that 15-20% of young athletes experience burnout.
Given these statistics, many young athletes find themselves wondering: "What happens if I am unsuccessful in a sports career?"
Life After Professional Sport
If you do not progress in your chosen sport it doesn't mean you're out of options. Many young athletes possess invaluable qualities that extend beyond the playing field. These include discipline, resilience, teamwork, and focus—qualities that are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of industries. The key is learning how to identify and promote these strengths.
This is where our company, Levelation steps in with our Energiser programme for Athletes. We offer personal strengths reports and coaching sessions that help athletes focus on their mindset and skills rather than just physical strength.
How Our Services Help You
Our approach helps those who have been disappointed in their sporting dream, by identifying key attributes that can help in life beyond a sports career. Whether you're an athlete who has faced injury or just couldn’t break through to the professional level, our services are designed to boost your confidence and provide a clear direction for your next steps.
Strengths Assessment: Our personalised reports assess your non-physical strengths, such as leadership, problem-solving, and perseverance. These attributes are crucial for success in any career.
Personal Coaching: Once we identify your core strengths, we offer tailored coaching to help you understand how to present these skills to potential employers. From enhancing your communication to improving your interview skills, we ensure you're prepared for life after professional sport.
A Clearer Focus: Athletes often thrive in fields that require teamwork, objectives, and strategic thinking. Our coaching helps you realise these qualities. Consequently, you can then identify industries that align with your personal strengths, helping you build a career you're passionate about.
Preparing for Success Beyond Sports
If you’re facing the reality of leaving the sport you love, it’s crucial to embrace the skills and mindset you've developed during your training. As previously stated, employers value athletes for their tenacity, work ethic, and ability to thrive under pressure. Understanding your strengths and learning how to present them will make you stand out in any career field.
Our profiling uncovers the exact mindsets, habits, and traits that drive your competitive edge. Learn what gets you in the zone and how to tap into that winning energy when it matters most. Build a strong personal brand that reflects your achievements, elite mindset, and unique value. We'll help you stand out with confidence and authenticity. Master self-marketing, networking, and interview skills to showcase your strengths, connect with the right people, and leave a lasting impression on potential employers.
Conclusion: Unsuccessful in a Sports Career? Turn it into an Opportunity
When you are unsuccessful in a sports career it can be disheartening, but it’s far from the end. With the right support, you can uncover new career paths and leverage the strengths that have been cultivated through years of training and competition. Whilst the sporting world is competitive and only a small percentage of athletes make it to the top, the skills and mindset you’ve developed along the way are valuable assets for your future.
Let us help you discover life after professional sport and set you on the path to success—both in and out of the arena. Please contact us here book a free, no obligation chat about how we can help you love your future!
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