Seven jobs in sport you can apply for right now

In survey after survey, the top career ambition for small boys - and many small girls too - is to become a footballer.

Unfortunately, we can't all be Wayne Rooney. But there's a surprising variety of careers in football and other sports, many of which require no physical ability at all.

We look at a few of the options, and list seven sporting jobs that you could apply for right now - if you can drag yourself away from Euro 2016, that is.

Sports journalist
It's worth remembering that sports journalists are still journalists - and ones that have far tighter deadlines than most. A degree in journalism isn't necessary, but writing ability and experience are. However, skills can be honed and experience gained through writing blogs or interning.

For every high-level TV pundit there are hundreds of reporters working their way up through specialist magazines and local newspapers, or contributing freelance reports. Pay is very variable - but probably less than you'd think.

The Footy Blog is looking for an intern, here; for those with more experience, Trinity Mirror has a vacancy for a sports writer in Huddersfield, here.

Sports nutritionist
To become a nutritionist, you'll normally need a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, or several years experience in a related field, as well as specific knowledge of sports nutrition itself.

While the job that leaps to mind is working directly with athletes, many sports nutritionists work in the NHS or in the food industry as researchers. Pay can be anywhere between £20,000 and £50,000.

Celtic FC is looking for a nutritionist with a degree or post-graduate qualification and at least two years' experience, here.

Leisure centre worker
There are jobs within the sports industry that don't require advanced qualifications - and working at a leisure centre is one of them, although experience in customer service will help.

Duties can involve anything from working on the till to supervising a swimming pool or gym. Pay isn't great, at between £12,500 and £20,000, but there may well be the opportunity to work towards a sports-related qualification.

There are thousands of vacancies around the country; one typical example is this position as a leisure assistant/apprentice lifeguard in Stevenage.

Personal Trainer
Personal trainers find work at leisure centres and gyms, and may also set up on their own. You'll need a recognised qualification such as a Level 2 Diploma in Health, Fitness, and Exercise Instruction or Instructing Exercise and Fitness, or a Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing - Gym.

Full-time jobs tend to pay between £12,000 and £20,000 a year, with freelancers charging between £20 and £40 an hour. There's an entry-level job going in Cambridge.

Sports physiotherapist
To become a sports physiotherapist you will need both a first degree and postgraduate master's degree in sports physiotherapy, as well as some work experience as a physiotherapist.

Jobs are, of course, available with top athletes, but there are also always vacancies working with sports centres, clinics and the like. Salaries are high, starting at around £30,000 and potentially rising to £100,000 or more.

Yorkshire Carnegie Rugby is looking for a physiotherapist to join its Sports Science and Medicine team; apply here.

Football referee
Football referees are needed at all levels of the game, from local youth and amateur leagues right up to top-flight professional football. Your first step is to register with your local County Football Association and attend the Basic Referee's Course. You'll also need Disclosure and Barring Service clearance.

Referees at amateur level earn around £20 to £30 a match, rising to £80 a game plus expenses for semi-professional games. Full-time, top-level Premier League referees can earn between £70,000 and £85,000 a year.

There's a new 5-a-side league looking for referees in London, at £20 per hour; apply here.

Sports fundraising
Many sports organisations are charities, and have special fundraising teams. You won't need any specific qualifications, although good communication skills and previous fundraising experience will help. Pay is generally between £18,000 and £35,000 a year.

The Youth Sport Trust in Loughborough is currently looking for a fundraising manager organising events, developing fundraising campaigns and securing grants from trusts and foundations.