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Exploring the current landscape and aspirations of Australian strength and conditioning coaches
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Exploring the current landscape and aspirations of Australian strength and conditioning coaches

Courtney McGowan, Nat Benjanuvatra, Jan Legg, Kristie Sheridan and Jena Buchan
International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, Vol.First online
03/10/2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954125137719
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0,  Open

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Abstract

career pathway gender professional development work environment
Strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches are invaluable in exercise and sport, with numbers rising globally. This exploratory study sought to better understand who these coaches are, their career aspirations, and to identify potential career-related barriers. An anonymous mixed-methods online survey collected information from Australian S&C coaches on demographics, work-related variables, career aspirations, and industry perceptions. Ninety-eight S&C coaches were included in final analyses, with variations in response numbers across variables. A total 42.4% identified as female (n = 28 of 66) and 71.8% (n = 61) held more than 1 job. Whilst only 9.9% (n = 8 of 81) were contracted for ≥40 h/week, 40.7% reported working ≥40 h (n = 33 of 81). Fifty-five S&C coaches were considering changing jobs, with personal, role-related, and industry factors viewed as barriers to working or progressing in the S&C industry. Overall findings demonstrated S&C coaches often hold multiple jobs to survive financially, with many considering a career change into non-coaching roles or out of S&C. This study identified key areas for review to enhance the support and sustainability of S&C coaches, vital to securing future generations of high-quality, adaptable S&C coaches. Given that our coach profile information (e.g., demographics) aligns with that of various international research, it is feasible our findings offer learnings and guidance for the S&C industry beyond Australia. Such information can guide the development and implementation of sustainable, stakeholder-centred services and support, enabling industry growth and the retention of quality S&C coaches, whilst also supporting the transition of coaches wishing to change or diversify their career pathway.

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