Sports Work Canada

Let’s get this out of the way: yes, the Canadian sports industry is a bit of a who-you-know world. But no — you don’t need to have a cousin who played for the Leafs or a parent on the board of an NSO to land your first job.

If you’re starting out and feeling like every listing says “3+ years experience” or “extensive network preferred,” don’t panic. Here’s how to actually get in the game, even if your contact list is just your rec league team and your old high school coach.

1. Start Small (Like, Really Small)

Before you get discouraged by job postings that ask for more experience than a 25-year-old should legally be allowed to have, remember this: volunteer roles, internships, and part-time gigs are the gateway.

You don’t have to start with your dream job. Start with:

• Volunteering at a tournament

• Helping run social media for a local club

• Joining an organizing committee for a school or community event

These roles may not be glamorous, but they show commitment, teach you how the system works, and – importantly – get your name known.

And yes, they absolutely go on your resume (we even wrote a guide on how to frame them like a pro).

2. Pick a Lane (and Let It Evolve)

The industry is broad. There’s event ops, marketing, high performance, community sport, policy, comms, DEI, coaching, tech, sponsorship, and about 27 different kinds of “coordinator.”

You don’t have to know exactly what you want — but it helps to pick a starting point. That way, your applications, volunteer gigs, and networking efforts all begin to reinforce each other. You could even focus on the type of organization you want to work with (we recently helped decipher all the industry acronyms and clear up what each organization type does)

Not sure where to start? Ask yourself:

• Do I like working with people or behind the scenes?

• Do I enjoy planning, creating, or executing?

• Am I drawn to community-level sport or elite performance?

Pick a lane, even temporarily. You can always change lanes later.

3. Your First Networking Move Isn’t LinkedIn — It’s Showing Up

You don’t need a hundred connections to break in. But you do need a few people who can vouch for you. The easiest way to get that? Be present.

Go to:

• Local sport events (even as a volunteer)

• Coaching clinics

• Conferences or info nights hosted by sport orgs

• Webinars and panels (and follow up with speakers!)

Introduce yourself. Ask questions. Follow up with a quick LinkedIn message. You’re not asking for a job — you’re building your reputation.

4. Get on the Radar Before You Need a Job

One of the best-kept secrets of the Canadian sports industry: a lot of jobs never get posted. Or if they do, the hiring manager already has a shortlist in mind.

So how do you get on that list?

• Follow the orgs you want to work for and engage with their content

• Reach out to ask for an informational interview (15–20 minutes, max!)

• Offer to help at an event or shadow a staff member

• Apply for the less sexy jobs — it builds trust

The earlier you show up, the more likely someone is to remember you when an opportunity comes up.

5. Apply Anyway — Even If You Don’t Check Every Box

This one’s important.

If a posting says “3 years of experience” and you’ve got one year plus a bunch of volunteering? Apply. Worst case, you don’t get it. Best case, someone sees potential.

Hiring managers know that great candidates come from non-traditional backgrounds. Show them you understand the industry, that you’re eager to learn, and that you bring something to the table — whether that’s communication skills, a creative mindset, or a background in a different field that adds value.

And if you’re not sure your resume makes the cut? We can help with that too. Check out our recent resume guide or reach out for a personalized assessment of yours.

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Final Whistle: It’s Not About Who You Know — It’s About Who Knows You

Breaking into Canadian sport takes persistence, initiative, and a willingness to put yourself out there. But you don’t need insider connections — you just need to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep applying.

We’re here to help you do that. Check out our job board for new opportunities in the Canadian Sports Industry or reach out to see how we can support your application.

Career Resources, Development, Resume, Sports Industry