Leisure industry professionals share how they got to where they are today.
Regional Contract Manager
South East
Everyone Active
I realised I had a passion for helping people get physically active and healthy
Trainee Duty Manager
Swan Pool
Everyone Active
I’d encourage anyone interested in the fitness industry to consider an Everyone Active apprenticeship, there are so many opportunities for continual development
Director of Aquatics
Water Babies
it’s great to see the impact we have on children and families across the world
Managing Director
Active IQ
I'm passionate about helping people qualify to engage others in physical activity
Team Leader
Northolt Leisure Centre
Everyone Active
The support I was given enabled me to move up the ranks quickly and I was promoted to team leader after just a few months
Director of Spa and Wellness
Mandarin Oriental London
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
I've always been fascinated by the healing power of nature on both the body and mind
Senior Sport & Leisure Manager
Countywide, Carmarthenshire
Actif Sport and Leisure
When I got into Sports Development, it was key for me to practise what I was preaching so took an active role in sports volunteering outside of work.
School swim lesson manager
Westcroft Leisure Centre
Everyone Active
I love being part of the Everyone Active team – it feels like a family, with a really supportive and friendly environment. Working with experienced teachers means I’m learning and growing
Head of Aquatics
Walsall
STA
I am passionate about promoting the benefits of learning to swim in a learner-focused environment
Senior Software Consultant
ClubWare
The leisure industry is fast to adopt new ideas and isn't afraid to try new things
Retail Assistant Manager
Aqua Sana at Center Parcs, Longleat
Center Parcs
This industry is so worthwhile. It takes a lot of skill, knowledge and training to be a good therapist
Aquatics Project Manager, National Aquatics Team
GLL
Be passionate about helping everyone and continue to learn every single day.
Regional swim impact manager
Spelthorne Leisure Centre
Everyone Active
Seeing [children] lose their nerves and go home with a smile on their face is hugely rewarding.
Operations Director
Circadian Trust
Always be prepared to work hard and give 100 per cent
General Manager
Vale of Glamorgan
Legacy Leisure
I have a real passion for sport and wanted to work in a role where I could make a difference.
Local Activities Manager
Embassy Summer
The industry has done so much and it continues to develop itself
General Manager
Oxford Castle & Prison
Continuum Attractions
My goal is to see Oxford Castle & Prison emerge as a must-see destination
General Manager
Crosby Leisure Centre, Liverpool
Parkwood Leisure
I enjoy hearing positive feedback from customers and staff alike
National Swimming Development Manager
GLL
Swimming really enriches my life and improves my mental wellbeing
Assistant Park Operations Manager
Paultons Park
The leisure industry constantly changes and I'm always excited to see what's next
Managing Director
Active IQ
There is an increasing need to equip fitness professionals with medical insight and training
Swim School Owner
STA-Swimming Teachers Association
Making learning to swim fun and safe for people is very rewarding to me
Personal Trainer
David Weir Leisure Centre
Everyone Active
You have to be a certain type of person to be a PT – empathetic and able to deliver sessions tailored to the needs of individuals
Sales Manager
Watford Central Leisure Centre
Everyone Active
I quickly progressed to assistant fitness manager, then sales manager. Being presented with such great opportunities brought out my ambitious side!
Communities and Group Exercise Manager
Stockport
Life Leisure
If we are going to get the nation fitter and healthier, we must look at how people of all ages can build exercise into their lives.
Active Young People Officer
Carmarthen bases (West Carmarthenshire)
Actif Sport and Leisure
Working within this industry has allowed me to grow as an individual
Director of Operations
The Climbing Hangar
The leisure sector is an exciting, thriving industry that will only continue to grow
It's a real privilege to help people lead healthier lifestyles
Actif Young People officer
Carmarthen based (West Carmarthenshire)
Actif Sport and Leisure
Never give up, try a bit of everything until you find what you really want to do and don’t be afraid to ask questions
Owner
Turtle Tots West Yorkshire
Turtle Tots Ltd
Think outside the box and don't be put off by anyone else’s more conventional ideas.
Recreation Team Leader, Watersports
Rutland Watersports
Anglian Water
Working outside, with people enjoying their leisure time, was where I wanted to be
Fitness Instructor
Hartham Leisure Centre
Everyone Active
Last year I delivered a free, eight-week-long course of disability and limited mobility exercise classes to help show people what they can achieve
Personal Trainer
Watford Woodside
Everyone Active
Making the leap into freelance personal training was quite daunting, but I was keen to have more time for training clients, as that’s what I really enjoy
Assistant General Manager
London Canning Town
The Gym Group
Fitness is personal, something that seems simple for one person can be lifechanging for another
Director of Park Operations
Drayton Manor
Drayton Manor
Guests' expectations for high-quality experiences are ever growing
Membership Consultant
Sunbury Leisure Centre
Everyone Active
I think apprenticeships are a great introduction to the work environment and help young people to become more mature, so when you do start working full-time, you’re ready for it
Operations Manager
Kirklees Active Leisure
I love working with our customers, getting to know them, and helping them to achieve their goals.
Creative Director
Holovis
This is a very buoyant time to be in the attractions industry. We're surrounded by new uses of tech
Water Sports Development Officer
Llandysul paddlers Canoe Centre
Actif Sport and Leisure
Once you have worked out which area of the industry you would rather work in, get as many relevant qualifications as possible.
Area Fitness Manager
Everyone Active
I'm very passionate about fitness and want to help others feel the same
Swim lesson manager
Hucknall Leisure Centre
Everyone Active
I always enjoyed swimming as a child and I love seeing people progress, so becoming a teacher seemed the perfect role
Certified Spinning Instructor
Club McKendry
Precor
I'm helping people get fitter. From young and old, men and women, elite athletes to beginners
