What GCSE Subjects Should You Take?

When most people think of a career in sport, their first thought is often about becoming a professional athlete. While that’s one exciting path, the sporting world offers a wide range of careers behind the scenes too – from coaching and physiotherapy to sports journalism, event management, and even data analysis.

If you’re passionate about sport and starting to think about your GCSE options, it’s important to know how the subjects you choose now can help shape your future in this dynamic and rewarding industry.

Why Choose a Career in Sport?

Sport offers more than just competition – it’s about leadership, health, teamwork, and community. Whether you dream of helping athletes perform at their peak, running major sporting events, or working in sports science or media, the industry is full of exciting opportunities that suit all interests and skill sets.

GCSE Subjects to Consider for a Career in Sport

To help set you on the right path, here are some common sport-related careers and the GCSE subjects that can help you get there:

Final Thoughts

No matter what career in sport you’re interested in, combining your passion with the right qualifications is key. Choose subjects that excite you and play to your strengths, and don’t be afraid to explore different areas of sport – sometimes the most exciting opportunities are the ones you hadn’t considered yet.

At inspiresport, we believe in developing the whole athlete – whether you’re on the pitch or planning a career behind the scenes. Our sports development tours can help inspire your journey by giving you hands-on experience with professional environments, expert coaching, and unforgettable opportunities to grow.

Ready to take the first step in your sporting future? Start by exploring your GCSE choices and think about how they connect to your passion. Who knows? Your next school tour might just be the moment everything clicks into place.

What’s Right for Your School?

Organising a school sports tour is an exciting opportunity to take your pupils beyond the playing field – and possibly even beyond the UK. However, when it comes to deciding between a long haul or short haul sports tour, the options can feel a bit overwhelming. At inspiresport, we know how important it is to get the balance right between value, experience, and development for your young athletes – both on and off the field.

So, what’s the difference? And more importantly, which one’s right for your school or club?

Let’s break it down.

What are the Benefits of a Long Haul Sports Tours?

Long haul tours are the big adventures – the trips that take you and your team far from home to exciting destinations like Canada, the USA, Argentina, India, Dubai, Australia, or South Africa.

Why Consider Long Haul?

Cultural Exchange & Global Perspective: These tours offer a truly immersive cultural experience. Whether it’s playing rugby in Argentina, netball in Australia, or cricket in India, your students will encounter new customs, traditions, and ways of life that help develop empathy, respect, and a broader worldview.

Athletic Development: Long haul tours often include unique training opportunities – playing against international teams, trying out new drills, and picking up fresh and distinctive techniques from expert international coaches. This kind of exposure builds adaptability and confidence while sharpening skills in challenging conditions.

Team Bonding & Personal Growth: Being far from home naturally brings people together. Students become more resilient, independent, and confident as they navigate new environments together. Moreover, when everyone is out of their comfort zone, real growth (and fun!) happens.

Extra Activities & Charitable Work: With longer trips come more time for excursions – whether that’s visiting New York’s landmarks or heading out on safari in South Africa. Some of our long haul tours also include opportunities for meaningful charitable work, giving back to the communities you visit.

Check out one of our recent tours, where Merchiston School embarked on a long haul adventure to South Africa, it was an experience that went far beyond sports. Their visit to Langa Township in Cape Town became the heart of their journey – a moment of profound impact and global responsibility. Read more…

Why Consider Short Haul?

Cost-Effective: For schools with budget constraints, short haul trips are more accessible. Cheaper flights, coach travel, and shorter stays make them more affordable without sacrificing value.

Cultural Experience Without the Jet Lag: Students still get the chance to explore a new country and culture. Visiting a European destination can also be a great way to inspire interest in foreign languages and history.

Easy Logistics: With less time spent travelling, you can often maximise time on the field and fit a tour into a school week or half-term. Plus, destinations are generally closer to emergency support if needed.

Great Training & Facilities: European sports resorts offer excellent facilities and are perfect for focused training, friendly matches, and team development in a new (but not too unfamiliar) setting.

So… Long Haul or Short Haul?

Here are a few questions to help you decide:

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re gazing at the rustic mountains of Canada or exploring the charming streets of an Italian village, both long haul and short haul sports tours offer unforgettable experiences that go way beyond sport.

At inspiresport, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your pupils – no matter the distance. We’ll work with you to plan a trip that fits your goals, budget, and schedule, and ensure that every detail is taken care of.

Ready to explore the world through sport?

Get in touch with us to start planning your next school tour – long or short haul, it’s all about inspiring your students to dream big and play even bigger.

INSPIRESPORT ANNOUNCE NEW HOCKEY WALES PARTNERSHIP

Inspiresport, the UK’s leading youth sports development tour operator, are excited to announce a new long-term partnership with Hockey Wales.

The partnership will see inspiresport become presenting partner of the National Schools Cup.

Endorsed by multiple professional teams and governing bodies, inspiresport have an established history of taking schools and teams on multi-sport and dedicated hockey development tours with popular destinations including The Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.

As part of the partnership, inspiresport will also seek to bring schools and teams from the UK and overseas for development tours in Wales, providing them an opportunity to receive specialist coaching from Hockey Wales staff, play fixtures against local opposition and enjoy free-time activities.

inspiresport managing director Steve Butchart said,

“We are very pleased to announce this new partnership with Hockey Wales. This is a fantastic opportunity for us at inspiresport to continue providing outstanding tours and work closely with another national governing body.

“We strive to create as many opportunities as possible for young people in the sports industry. By working closely with Hockey Wales, we will be able to achieve further awareness of our touring opportunities across Welsh grassroots clubs and schools, while bringing groups from further afield to train and play in Cardiff.

“Together we will inspire the next generation to advance themselves in the world of sport and aspire to be the international players of the future, or to remain active playing the sport they love.”

Hockey Wales Chief Executive Paul Whapham added,

“We are delighted to be working with inspiresport and are looking forward to welcoming groups of young people to Wales. I’m confident that these young players will benefit from our coaching experience, as well as providing Welsh children the opportunity to have amazing experiences abroad.

“The support of inspiresport will enable us to enhance our national school’s competition, providing greater opportunities for young people to experience hockey.

“The continued support from a range of commercial partnerships provides much needed support to the organisation.”

To learn more about inspiresport’s development tours for schools and teams, please click HERE

Today’s match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals will see the IPL final take place outside of India for only the second time since its inception. The 2020 tournament has been as exciting as ever and showcased the UAE and the Cricketing infrastructure which has been put in place over recent years.

UAE and particularly Dubai has long been a popular tour destination for cricket with relatively short flight times, high quality accommodation and strong ex-pat influence making it a great option for those wanting to maximise time away and enjoy a warmer climate, ideal for the October or February half terms.

The facilities on offer are world-class, particularly with the recent addition of the ICC Academy which boasts two full size floodlit ovals in addition to 38 natural turf practice pitches in a variety of styles.

Previous tourists Exeter School had an action-packed 2019 tour, fitting in 5 matches including all formats and day/night games over their 6-day break. In addition to the sport, the tourists took in some of the incredible sightseeing on offer including the Burj Khalifa and desert safari.

Tour captain, James Horler said “The cricket was a fantastic experience, 5 games in searing heat and under floodlights was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Playing on amazing grounds with backdrops you would never get in the UK made the cricket 10 times better and to play great cricket against some good quality sides topped it off. Aside from the cricket, a trip to Wild Wadi waterpark was extremely enjoyable, especially cooling off from the heat!”

To hear more about our Cricket Tour options, please contact your regional expert now.

As part of our ongoing product development and spurred on by the recent sponsorship agreement with the English Schools Cricket Association competitions, inspiresport had been looking for a new destination to offer for sports tours but primarily cricket focused trips.

Although widely played, the number of destinations that can offer suitable opposition, accommodation, and value for money on cricket tours is still quite limited, so we were keen to explore a different version of the classic Indian options for some inspiration.

I knew Kerala for its backwaters, seafood and sunsets so after getting some local reassurances it was a viable sporting option, we selected some great value flights thanks to the many scheduled routes, and sent out some invites to hopefully get a teachers perspective of the trip first hand.

February the 14^th rolled around and I was lucky enough to be spending Valentines with two lovely teachers from excellent cricketing schools. We soon checked in with the staff from Qatar Airways and were quickly through the pre-immigration checks thanks to our E-Visa’s.

Once on board, you are brilliantly looked after with Qatar and their excellent hospitality. The nice short transfer time in Doha, which are ideal for group travel, soon became a concern due to our delayed departure as I nervously glanced at the watch knowing we were cutting things fine. After notifying the airline staff though, we were met on arrival into Doha and pointed in the right direction for our connection. Everything was brilliantly co-ordinated, and we worked up a sweat sprinting through Doha International for absolutely no reason as our next flight duly waited for some other passengers less athletic/enthusiastic than ourselves.

The shorter flight into India went without a hitch, so a couple of films and a breakfast curry later, we were into Kerala and met at Cochin with the usual Indian hospitality of smiles, hugs and flower garlands. Cochin International Airport is a pioneer in reusable energy with one terminal running on solar power which is a great development and real bonus when looking at our sustainable tourism program.

Traffic is certainly less manic than in Northern India but still a far cry from my quiet country roads back home, so expect journey times to vary and be on the generous side with timings when looking at your itinerary. The sights and sounds on these road trips are part of the charm though and in true India style, we soon pulled alongside a lorry laden with the unusual passenger of an elephant heading to a local temple.

Over the water, we arrived on Willingdon Island and checked in to the Casino Hotel for a quick change and respite. The hotel is ideal for groups, with its secure and quiet location, swimming pool, good WiFi and varied dining options. We then transferred the short distance to Le Meridien Hotel for a fantastic buffet lunch and tour of the impressive riverside resort with excellent swimming pools, expansive grounds and luxurious décor.

On this afternoon, we had two cricket venues to visit within a few miles of each other making them excellent options for teams touring with two sides. The Rajagiri College Ground has a lush outfield and well-maintained grounds which are a testament to the Kerala Cricket Association who oversee all the maintenance work. As with most Indian match venues, the facilities are modest but there are a some nets available as well as changing rooms and toilets. The venue has also hosted the Indian ladies’ team on several occasions as well as many first-class competitions.

The St Pauls Cricket Ground had a real buzz to it on arrival with a local fixture in progress. The reddish tinge of the sub-continent grounds was more obvious here with a little less grass coverage, but the pitch still looked and seemed to be playing beautifully. After taking in a bit of the game and some of the hosts Chai Masala (Tea), we headed to the waterfront for a sunset cruise around the harbour before dinner back at the hotel.

Our second destination was Munnar, a high-country spot nestled in the hills amongst the tea plantations. Due to the drive time, it is often overlooked but time permitting it is a fantastic place to visit that has plenty to offer. The drive itself is spectacular, passing through rainforest and climbing into the hills before arriving at our lunch spot in the High Range Club. A real insight into the colonial past of the nation and the Tea trade, this amazing venue offers the opportunity to play a cricket match in the most spectacular of settings. If play is slow, you can even get a few holes in on their par 3 golf course.

A short drive away, we found ourselves at the Lockhart Tea Factory & Museum where we learned about the tea making process, saw the factory in full swing and enjoyed a nice cuppa afterwards while taking in the most spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and seemingly endless plantations. After a walk around some of the plantations, we loaded up and continued to the Tall Trees resort which is an idyllic retreat set back amongst the trees on a hilltop. The views are beautiful, and it is a fantastic place for some relaxation after travel, or a recovery session walking round the marked trails, or with their guided yoga sessions.

After a spectacular sunrise and delicious breakfast, we left Munnar and headed to Thodupuzha which is about halfway between Munnar and Cochin. It’s a rural setting and a different vibe to the other areas we had visited so far but just as I was questioning the reason for adding this to our itineraries, our driver pulled up at the Kerala Cricket Association facility. This venue comprises of two full size grounds side by side which have been purpose built for high level fixtures in the region. Myself and my fellow tourists have been fortunate enough to visit many world-class grounds and all agreed that this was certainly a contender and a real hidden gem.

To ease the travel times on the twin grounds, we had arranged an inspection at the Four Points Hotel based on the outskirts of Cochin. This new hotel did not disappoint, boasting spacious high-quality rooms, a fully equipped fitness centre, leisure facilities and a stunning rooftop pool. An amazing addition to any itinerary.

After another fantastic buffet lunch, we continued to Water La Theme Park which combines rides and entertainment with a water park. A great excursion for some R&R and a welcome break from the increasingly humid weather.

In stark contrast to the last couple of visits, we next headed towards Fort Cochin to visit a charitable organisation called Sneha Bhavan where they offer sanctuary for children who have been orphaned or abandoned. The program offers education and housing all the way through to 18+ and we were fortunate enough to meet several volunteers and residents. Strangely, football seemed to be the preference, so we took to what vaguely resembled a field for a very hot match before trying to push the idea of a more gentrified and shaded cricket match. After handing over some very generous and gratefully received donations, we said our farewells and headed to the next location.

Around a two-hour drive south and we found ourselves in Mararikulam where we have two great accommodation options both set on the wonderful palm fringed golden beaches. Turtle Beach offers a fantastic setting with individual huts set amongst the palm trees. It is an idyllic spot to finish off any tour itinerary and comes highly recommended. Should you have the extra budget, pure luxury can be found at nearby Marari Beach.

After a morning on the beach, we transferred the short distance to Alleppey where we boarded one of the iconic houseboats for a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. This is probably the image conjured up when you think of Kerala and it truly is a wonderful excursion. Drifting the waters, you can see locals going about their daily lives and plenty of wildlife all whilst enjoying some top hospitality with refreshments and a home cooked meal. In the evening, we checked in at Lakesong Resort, a beautiful hotel perched pretty much in the backwaters. A very picturesque hotel with all the amenities you could want and famed for the wonderful sunset best enjoyed from their viewing areas along the back of the grounds.

For our final day, we first headed out into the local villages to take part in the responsible tourism programme where you are invited to see residents going about their daily work. It was wonderful to watch and interact with the locals who were very welcoming. The residents receive funds directly from the initiative helping to maintain their traditional way of life whilst keeping tourism sustainable.

The last of the cricket venues was Tripunithura Palace Oval which has an amazing history with its links to royalty and the development of the limited over game which was first played at this site in 1951. This site may not be as glamorous as some, but it does have a certain feel to it that I think any tourist would appreciate. The rustic charm of it and the abundance of locals keen to watch, join or talk cricket make for a great spot.

We spent our last bit of time sightseeing in Fort Cochin with a walking tour including the diverse historic sights of the Commonwealths oldest synagogue (from 1568), Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese in 1555 and St Francis CSI Church which dates back to 1503 and was the original burial site of the famed explorer Vasco da Gama. We finished in true Keralan fashion, sat at a waterfront venue watching the glorious sunset behind the famous Chinese fishing nets.

I was assured by our local contacts in destination, that Kerala offered everything you could want from a sports tour destination with luxury accommodation, incredible sightseeing, cultural experiences, and a great sporting infrastructure…and I can wholeheartedly confirm – it did not disappoint!

Don’t just take Owen’s word for it…

Neston High first booked a trip to South Africa in 2015 with inspiresport. They have since returned in 2018 and have another tour booked for 2020. But why has this experience become so popular in their school? We caught up with Mr. Steve Kelly – Head of PE to find out.

“My first encounter with inspiresport was via email in 2015” – he remembers. “I was receiving loads of them as the Head of PE but this one caught my attention because it was offering a roadshow opportunity in Liverpool with coaches from FC Porto. I couldn’t attend te roadshow but I sent two of my colleagues and a few of the children to meet the coaches and enjoy the masterclass. Upon their return, my fellow PE teachers shared how impressed they were with inspiresport.  The event was organised on a very professional level and that had truly resonated with them.”

Mr. Kelly then met with the local inspiresport representative for the school’s area – Ian. Initially, the school only wanted to go away with the students for a couple of days, so they went on a weekend football tour to Fulham with 26 pupils. A couple of days after their return Ian had a phone call. Neston High was eager to book another tour! This time the Head of the School suggested South Africa as a destination because the school was already partnering with educational institutions from the country.

20 students and 3 teachers went on a multisport tour to South Africa to train in football, hockey, and netball.  Because each sport was represented by about six/ seven pupils they got to not only compete but also train with their South African hosts. The mutual training sessions made the experience much more personal and allowed for friendships to be formed between the teams. Mr. Kelly shares that was an aspect he truly valued and insisted on keeping even when the tours became bigger. As well as fixtures with local teams and combined training sessions the pupils enjoyed excursions to Robben Island, Table Mountain, and  Aquila Safari Private Game Reserve.

Upon their return, the party leaders from Neston High booked another trip. In 2018 revisited South Africa this time bringing 60 pupils with them. Mr. Kelly says he didn’t have to work hard to get the interest of the parents. The news of how great the experience was travelled fast. During this second tour a few more excursions were added to the list including Robben Island ferry trip & museum, Cape Point tour that included Seal Island boat cruise, Chapman’s Peak, Cape of Good Hope nature reserve, and Boulders Beach to view penguins.

Their latest tour, due to go out in 2020, already has an impressive number of 100 students and the waiting list keeps adding on new people.

I ask him what he thinks the positives for the students are and he talks about the difference in perspective the youngsters get, the cultural benefits, the enhanced sporting abilities and the feeling of independence. In fact, parent letters are always forthcoming after trips with tales of the new-found appreciation the pupils have. In one letter the parent explained how their child thinks about the less fortunate children he met out there every time they go out to buy him shoes.

Another beautiful anecdote that Ian shares with me is of how aware children become when going on such trips. “South Africa was going through one of their worst droughts in history during one of our tours. We didn’t want to alarm the children, however, there were signs about it everywhere. The hotel had little notes put up in the bathrooms asking if possible to stop the water whenever not in use. It wasn’t until our last day there when we realised how much of an impact that had made on the pupils. Mr. Kelly asked one of the boys what he is looking forward to when he goes back to the UK, as a way to distract him from the ‘holiday blues’ over the end of the tour. He thought for a second and said he was very sad about leaving but looked forward to showering for more than two minutes”.

“You see a different side of them.” Mr. Kelly says, “We got to volunteer at a local primary school in South Africa. Our pupils played football with the little children and even the ones who are usually a bit noisy or naughty were truly engaged in their aim to give the very best”

To end my conversation with Mr. Kelly I ask if he would recommend the inspiresport experience to other teachers. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.” – he says. He remembers the school didn’t use to go on as many sports tours before. It snowballed after that first ever email – now he feels like he is leaving a legacy.