UK Coaching research reveals key trends in the coaching landscape

The research, conducted by YouGov, draws insights from over 30,000 adults and reveals both concerning declines and encouraging growth in different areas of coaching.

It found that just under 1 in 4 (23%) of Active coaches are disabled or have a long-term health condition. Disabled Active coaches or those with a long term health condition are more likely to coach racket games (21% vs 16%) than Active Coaches as a whole, and to do so at sports clubs (39% vs 34%) and Local Authority leisure centres (16% vs 13%). They are, however, less likely to coach children aged 5-9 (21% vs 25%) and aged 10-13 (21% vs 26%).

One of the most significant findings in the wide-ranging report is the sharp decline in the percentage of female coaches, which has dropped from 44% in 2022 to 38% in 2024—a 6% decrease over just two years. This decline highlights the ongoing gender disparities within the coaching profession.

Previous UK Coaching research has also revealed that 78% of women believe more visible female role models in coaching would support their career progression.

Active Coaches in the UK: Key Stats and Trends

The research also reveals a number of key trends within the broader coaching landscape, particularly regarding the status of active coaches in the UK. The proportion of UK adults who have coached in the last 12 months remains consistent at 6%, which represents approximately 3.1 million people across the country.

Professionalisation and Career Progression in Coaching

A notable shift in the sector is the increasing professionalisation of coaching roles. The proportion of active coaches being paid for their work has risen substantially from 38% in 2022 to 53% in 2024, reflecting a growing recognition of coaching as a viable career. Additionally, the number of active coaches who consider coaching to be their primary occupation has increased, from 9% in 2022 to 12% in 2024. These shifts indicate that coaching is becoming a more sustainable and career-oriented profession.

Coaching Across Levels and Sports

While the majority of active coaches (68%) continue to coach at recreational levels, there has been a notable rise in those coaching at higher levels. The proportion of coaches working at academy level has doubled, from 8% in 2022 to 14% in 2024, and those coaching at the national level has increased from 3% to 6% over the same period. This suggests that more coaches are progressing into higher tiers of competition and development.

In terms of the types of sports coached, team sports remain the most common (37%), followed by racket games (15%) and dance (13%).

Coaching Support and Development

Access to coaching support continues to increase, with just over half (53%) of active coaches now receiving mentorship or development support, compared to 45% in 2022. This reflects a growing recognition of the importance of professional development and the role that mentors and coach developers play in supporting coaches at all stages of their careers.

Reflecting on the research Heather Douglas, Head of Coaching and Policy at UK Coaching, said:

"The research has provided invaluable insights into the current state of coaching. While there have been positive shifts in terms of the professionalisation of coaching and support for coaches, we must continue to focus our efforts on ensuring gender equality and creating a more inclusive coaching landscape for women."

Sport England Executive Director of Partnerships, Phil Smith, said:

“Today’s Coaching in the UK publication serves as both an important reminder of the vital role played by coaches, as well as the challenges facing our sector.

“Coaches are pivotal to delivering the right environments and experiences of sport and physical activity and can help people to build positive habits that last a lifetime.

“However, the new data shows a collective need to continue to support a wider range of people to become part of the workforce.

“The decline in the number of female coaches is especially concerning, and Sport England will continue to do all we can to grow the number of women coaching through our investments and support of the Women in Coaching Taskforce.”