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

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.