You might have recently graduated with a sports science degree and are looking to make your first steps into the working world but are unsure how to do so and if your qualification allows access to these opportunities. This article, focusing on the role of a sports nutritionist, is part of a series outlining top sport science job roles, avenues to get into them, and any other relevant information for students looking to progress in their careers.

Sports Nutritionist

Sports nutritionists help to monitor and create diet plans for athletes based on individuals' needs and supporting scientific theory. They are responsible for teaching coaches and athletes' nutritional information that will aid all aspects of performance and recovery. Nutritionists may be required to travel alongside athletes and provide on-site care.

Sports nutritionists can either work privately and cater to individuals or teams, or alternatively can seek employment within a singular organization. From there they make look to find a specialism within their field that can make them an expert and therefore make them more desirable to employers looking for a specialist nutritionist. They may also progress on to teaching in their specialist field in a higher education setting.

A sports team may hire a nutritionist for each session, while other teams may hire a full-time nutritionist to travel and monitor each athletes eating. It really depends on the budget of the team. An example of a top employer would be a team like Liverpool football club who put heavy emphasis on ensuring all players are specifically catered for via their sports nutritionist.

Although not a necessity, it is normally expected that a sports nutritionist holds a degree that is registered with the association of nutrition (AfN). A nutritionist can either choose to study nutrition at undergraduate level or postgraduate.

Typically, undergraduate level requires the inclusion of a science subject at A level with a result of BBC, whilst BTEC requires at least a DDM. For individuals looking to transition into sports nutrition, master's courses will normally require a 2:2 or above in a relevant undergraduate degree e.g., sports science. Below is a link with AfN accredited programs.

AfN accredited programs

As this industry can be competitive to get into, it is a good idea to seek work experience with a sporting club or relevant organization. Courses will also often provide valuable work experience as part of the syllabus.

Mona Nemmer is Liverpool's head of nutrition and had been highly praised by the Liverpool manager, Jugen Klopp, who credits her as being a big part of the team's success. A link is posted below.

Monna Nemmer