By Clare Dunn, Associate Director of Business Engagement
Like much of the world, our sector is being transformed. Driven by advances in technology, growing public health challenges and a greater societal focus on wellness, the sector in 2035 will undoubtedly look significantly different to today. Whether you’re a coach, exercise professional, sport development officer, wellbeing advocate or facility manager, preparing now for the skills of the future is essential.
Our work with thousands of employers across the UK shows that technical skills in delivering the best quality services need to be underpinned by core foundational skills that are part of every role. These skills are hugely in demand in our sector and will continue to be into the future.
Here I’ve taken a look at what I think will matter most and how you can prepare to stay relevant and have impact in our sector.
Key skills for the future
1. Digital fluency and AI literacy
Professionals who can harness technology to engage participants, track progress and personalise services will lead the way in promoting active lifestyles.
Wearable tech, virtual coaching, AI-driven health analytics and online fitness platforms are redefining the delivery of physical activity.
What you can do now:
- Experiment with fitness technology platforms.
- Learn the basics of AI, including how to prompt and save your time on repetitive tasks.
- Get an understanding of data use in sport and health analytics.
- Stay updated with innovations in sport tech and digital health and wellbeing.
2. Analytical thinking
Whether interpreting performance data, evaluating community programmes or using insights to inform strategy, analytical thinking is central to working in sport and physical activity.
Evidence-led practice will become the gold standard that employers and deployers are seeking, especially as funding and impact become increasingly tied to measurable outcomes.
What you can do now:
- Get comfortable with the potential of using tools like Excel or Google Data Studio as part of your planning and practice.
- Take short courses on data literacy or performance analytics.
- Practise evaluating the outcomes of your work using real data.
3. Self-motivation and proactive learning
With more freelance and portfolio careers in the sector, being self-directed is no longer optional, it’s essential.
Employers and clients will value individuals who can evolve their own skills, take responsibility for their career trajectory and differentiate themselves with sought-after and niche expertise.
What you can do now:
- Set learning goals using CPD frameworks that are aligned to the sector’s professional standards.
- Reflect regularly on your practice and critique your approach.
- Attend webinars, conferences or join community of practice groups.
4. Creative thinking
From designing inclusive sessions to developing engaging campaigns that get inactive people moving, creativity is critical.
As competition for people’s attention grows, innovative approaches to physical activity will be key to driving participation and behaviour change.
What you can do now:
- Explore how to incorporate storytelling, gamification and behavioural science techniques into your work.
- Collaborate with professionals from other sectors to find out how they engage people.
- Take inspiration from initiatives in other parts of the sector which are gaining traction with different groups. The CIMSPA website shares great examples of work that you can learn from.
5. Leadership and influence
The sector needs leaders who can drive change, shape inclusive cultures and inspire across diverse communities.
Leadership will be needed at all levels, not just in manager or director job titles. Whether influencing a participant, a team or local policy, your ability to lead will be invaluable.
What you can do now:
- Mentor others or take on voluntary leadership roles in local projects or clubs.
- Develop coaching and communication skills by engaging in online and in-person communities.
- Try online leadership training tailored to our sector. CIMSPA members can access free CPD from the SkillGate platform and as part of their complimentary UK Coaching and Fitpro access.
6. Systems thinking
Addressing inactivity and health inequality requires an understanding of interconnected social, economic and environmental systems.
The most effective interventions will be those that see physical activity as part of a wider system, including transport, housing, education and the environment.
What you can do now:
- Study whole-system approaches and strategies that are being implemented within the sector.
- Map how your work connects with other sectors and services.
- Join cross-sector forums or networks tackling systemic challenges.
7. Talent management and people development
As the sector continues to grow, attracting, retaining and developing diverse talent will be a core skill for future managers and leaders.
A stronger, more resilient workforce means better outcomes for participants and communities. Plus, equity, inclusion and wellbeing within teams will be as important as delivering for clients.
- Explore different approaches to workforce planning and people development. Take a look at CIMSPA’s Insight Hub and resources to find out more.
- Learn about recruitment and coaching strategies being used in other sectors.
- Mentor new professionals or support apprentices.
8. Emotional intelligence
Building trust, understanding different lived experiences and supporting mental health are all critical to successful engagement both with participants and colleagues.
Physical activity is personal, and people increasingly seek empathetic, person-centred professionals who can relate to their own life experiences.
What you can do now:
- Practise reflective practice and emotional check-ins with participants.
- Train in trauma-informed approaches and inclusive communication.
- Learn how to spot and respond to mental health concerns.
9. Adaptability and lifelong learning
Roles are evolving and new jobs are emerging that combine physical activity with social care, education and digital content creation.
The ability to adapt, whether from coaching in person to online or from youth sport to active ageing, is essential.
What you can do now:
- Build a CPD habit and seek out learning at least once each quarter. The Training Academy for Sport and Physical Activity signposts the highest quality training that delivers on the sector’s skills need.
- Volunteer or shadow in different roles or with different participant types to broaden your perspective.
- Be open to roles in different parts of the sector or audiences as the landscape shifts. The Careers Hub is your one-stop shop to help you explore your options.
Action steps for sector professionals
- Use the sector’s professional standards to guide your development.
- Stay informed via newsletters and information from credible sector bodies like CIMSPA.
- Connect locally with other activity professionals, community hubs or sport trusts.
- Create a CPD plan aligned to future trends and your career goals, ensuring that it’s accredited to sector standards.
- Consider a specialism, for example working with particular populations or in particular settings, which will enable you to achieve a higher level of professional status, setting you apart.
Be future ready
The future of physical activity, sport and active wellbeing isn’t just about performance or participation. It’s about purposeful professionals who can harness technology, lead with empathy, think systemically and keep growing. Whether you want to change lives in your community or shape the future of the sector nationally, the journey starts now.
In 2035, the strongest professionals won’t just be technical experts in delivering physical activity, they’ll be mentally agile, emotionally intelligent, and digitally empowered. Are you ready to build that future?
