Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Physical Education and Health (Core) Year 1

SECTION

1 CAREER PATHWAYS
IN PHYSICAL
EDUCATION AND
HEALTH

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH

Career Pathways in Physical Activity and Sports

INTRODUCTION
Have you considered what you want to do as a profession in future? Is it related to
physical education and health?
This section focuses on the identification and discussion of the career pathways in
physical education and health. It also describes the professional attributes and mindset
required for practice in the Physical Education and Health (PEH) industry.
Knowledge about the various careers in a particular subject area will help you select
the right education and skills needed to obtain and support the chosen career. Careful
and well-informed decisions regarding a career can increase the chances of your
success. The section will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and functional
understanding of the subject by employing different interactive teaching strategies,
resources, differentiation and assessment methods to support your learning.

At the end of this section, you should be able to:

• Identify and discuss career pathways in Physical Education and Health and the
professional attributes and mindset required for practice.

Key Ideas
• A career is a long-term occupational pursuit for an individual.
• Career pathways in physical education and health include sports psychology, sports
journalist, PE teacher, sports coach, etc.
• Choosing a career that aligns with one’s interest, skills and passion creates job satisfaction,
increases productivity, creativity and innovation, etc.
• A successful career in physical education and health requires certain skills and mindsets.
• Sport is any physical activity that is bound by rules and regulations
• Sports can be performed as a career
• Required mindsets and skills of a professional athlete include physical fitness,
competitiveness, ability to perform under pressure etc.
• Professional athletes are role models and contribute to society and sports development.
Examples include Azumah Nelson and Asamoah Gyan.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION

AND HEALTH
Meaning of Career, Profession and Career
Pathways
Career: A career refers to a long-term pattern of work or professional pursuit that
an individual undertakes throughout their life. It often involves a series of jobs,
occupations or positions within a specific field or industry, like PEH.
Career pathway: A career pathway is a strategic approach to planning professional
development. It involves connected employment opportunities that can lead to
achieving specific career goals overtime.
Career pathway in PEH: A career pathway in PEH is the occupation or profession you
choose in PEH. For example, physical education teacher, coach for any of the athletics
disciplines or games, sports journalist, sports lawyer, sports psychologist, health
educators, health promoters, physiotherapists, massage therapist, sports medicine, etc.

Importance of Choosing a Career that Aligns with

Interests, Skills and Passions
What will inform your choice of career? What are some things you need to consider
in choosing a career? Did some of the points being discussed below cross your mind?
1. Job satisfaction: When individuals pursue careers that are aligned with their
interests, skills and passions, they are more likely to love and enjoy their work.
This leads to higher job satisfaction, career growth, overall happiness and career
success in their professional life.

Fig 1.1 Colleagues satisfied with the job done

2. Motivation and drive: Choosing a career that aligns with your interests, skills
and passions gives you the motivation and zeal to excel in the field. You are likely
to become more enthusiastic about learning and improving your abilities to be
successful in that career.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

3. Increased productivity: When individuals engage in work they genuinely enjoy,

they are more likely to be productive. Peoples’ passion and eagerness always help
them go the extra mile to achieve better results in their careers.

Fig 1.2 Illustration of positive effect of increased productivity

4. Better performance: When individuals work in fields that match their interests,
skills and passions, they are more likely to perform at their very best. Their natural
abilities are put to good use, which enables them to excel and achieve success in
their careers.

Fig 1.3 Satisfaction and passion leads to better and 100% performance

5. Long-term commitment: A career that aligns with your interests, skills and
passion is more likely to keep you engaged and committed over a long period of
time. You are very likely to be motivated to invest time and effort into developing
your career to a high level.

Fig 1.4 Long term commitment is derived from fulfilment from work

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

6. Creativity and innovation: Pursuing a career that aligns with your interests,
passions and aspirations encourages creativity and innovation. The desire serves
as a driving tool for you to think outside the box to bring new and additional ideas
and solutions to your career or work.
7. Resilience and perseverance: Pursuing a career that you are passionate about
helps to develop resilience and perseverance. When faced with challenges or
setbacks, your passion for the work will drive you to overcome the obstacles and
continue moving forward.

Fig 1.5 Building resilience and perseverance is beneficial in pursuing a career

8. Greater job opportunities: Choosing a career that aligns with your interests,
skills and passions opens a world of job opportunities. You are more likely to excel
in your field and be exceptional or stand out among your colleagues. This is likely
to increase your chances of finding rewarding, enjoyable employment.

Fig 1.6 Having an interest in a chosen career opens a world of job opportunities

9. Positive impact: Working in a field that aligns with your interests and passions
allows you to make a positive impact on your organisation and society. You are
more likely to excel in your field and stand out among others, increasing your
chances of finding rewarding employment.
NB: An important point to consider is the sense of security a great job you
are interested in provides. Changing jobs can be emotionally, professionally and
financially stressful. Employees who follow their interests to select their career
feel more secure when working for organisations that keep them interested and
challenge them to grow professionally.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Physical Education and Health-Based Career, and

Professional Pathways
The following are some of the physical education and health-based career and
profession pathways. The skills and mindsets required for each are discussed:
1. Sports psychologist: A sports psychologist is a professional who sees to the
psychological aspects of sports and athletic performance. They work with athletes
to enhance their mental skills, develop strategies for performance improvement,
manage stress and anxiety and promote overall well-being of athletes in the sports
industry.
The Skills and Mindset of a Sport Psychologist
To become a sports psychologist, you will need a combination of essential skills
and qualifications. Sports psychologists require:
a. Critical thinking skills
b. Interpersonal and communication skills
c. Advanced knowledge of sports medicine and exercise science
d. Understanding of sports related injuries and common treatments
e. Advanced knowledge of stress management and mental conditioning
techniques
f. Ability to assess athletic performance and use psychological tools to improve
it
g. Ability to identify and treat psychological issues (for example, performance
anxiety)
h. Research skills
i. Empathy

Fig 1.7 Clear mindset influences better performance

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

2. Sports law/lawyer: Sports law refers to the legal regulations and principles that
govern the sports industries. It covers professional and amateur athletes, team
ownership, contract negotiations, leagues, broadcasting and sponsor issues. It
ensures fairness and stability in the sports industry, protects athletes’ rights and
promotes the growth and success of the sports world. A sports lawyer, also known
as a sports law attorney, is a licensed legal professional representing athlete,
industry boards, teams, leagues and other sports organisations in their legal issues.
The Skills and Mindset of a Sports Lawyer
To embark on a successful career as a sports lawyer, learners will need a
combination of legal expertise and a passion for the sports industry. This includes:
a. An interest in, and knowledge of, sport
b. A legal qualification
c. Relevant work experience
d. Attention to detail
e. Ability to craft clear and effective legal documents
f. Ability to analyse and solve complex problems related to sports law
g. Negotiating and networking skills
h. Ability to build relationships and advocate for clients

Fig 1.8 Correct procedures and behaviours in sports

3. Video analyst: Video analysts use video to analyse the performance of players.
They monitor and record sport performances for teams and organisations. They
liaise with coaches and athletes in training and competitive environments to
ensure improvements in their performance. They watch back footage to compile
detailed reports that break down player movements, player statistics, decision
making and overall performance which help coaches to identify mistakes made
by players during a game, come up with solutions, change formations or tell
players areas where they could improve as well as share greatest moments when
it happens and when it matters.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

The Skills and Mindset of a Video Analyst

To be a video analyst requires:
a. A degree in a related field such as computer science, mathematics, or
engineering
b. Expertise in video editing software
c. Ability to interpret and analyse video footage
d. Knowledge of graphic design software
e. Strong visual and analytical skills
f. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
g. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
h. Capability to remain organised and manage multiple projects at once
i. Familiarity with the fundamentals of video production
j. Ability to generate creative ideas and solutions

Fig 1.9 Video analyst equipment

In addition to the above pictures, click the link below to see an example of a software
sports video analysts use and how this helps in the work of the sports video analyst.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh-tueshT-o

4. Physical education teacher: A physical education teacher instructs learners

in physical fitness, sports and healthy living. They develop lesson plans, lead
activities and educate learners on the importance of exercise and overall well-
being.
The skills and mindset of a physical education teacher
To be a physical education teacher requires:
a. A teaching degree or qualification
b. A passion for physical education and health

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

c. Knowledge of the subject matter

d. Teaching experience
e. Excellent communication, organisational, planning and time management
skills
f. Patience
g. Creativity

Fig 1.10 Teaching and nurturing through movement

5. Recreation director: A recreation director plans and coordinates recreational

activities and programmes for individuals or groups. They work in settings such
as community centres, resorts and other organisations. They organise events like
sports tournaments, arts and crafts workshops and other leisure activities for
people and organisations.
The skills and mindset of a recreation director
To be a recreational director requires:
a. A degree in a related field such as science in parks and recreation hospitality
or business
b. Experience in event coordination and planning
c. IT skills
d. Excellent written and oral communication skills
e. Physical fitness
f. Team and management skills
g. Effective decision-making and negotiation skills

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Fig 1.11 Sport activities reduce stress

6. Sports journalist: A sports journalist reports on sporting events, athletes and

related news. They gather information, conduct interviews and write articles or
produce broadcasts for various media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines,
and radio or television stations.
The skills and mindset of a sports journalist
To be a sports journalist requires:
a. Excellent communication and language skills to report on events and create
stories
b. Technical skills (camera operation, graphic design and video editing)
c. Knowledge of different sports and sports personalities
d. Relationship building skills
e. Excellent research skills
f. Social media skills
g. Creativity
h. Excellent observational skills
i. An eye for detail

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Fig 1.12 Informing the world about changing issues, events and presenting the facts about sports.

7. Sports coach: A sports coach provides instruction and guidance to athletes

or sports teams to improve their skills, strategy and performance. They design
training programmes, organise practice sessions and motivate athletes to achieve
their full potential.
The skills and mindset of a sports coach
To be a sports coach requires:
a. Excellent knowledge of the sport or skill being coached
b. Skills include; leadership, motivational, planning, organisational and
communication skills
c. Perseverance and patience
d. Ability to inspire confidence and motivate performance
e. Ability to analyse and evaluate performance
f. Ability to create a safe environment in which the well-being of the performer
is paramount
g. Being open-minded

Fig 1.13 Coaches working with their team and coaching future sports persons

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

8. Sports nutritionist/dietician: A sports nutritionist/dietician is a health

professional who specialises in food and nutrition. They help athletes develop
strategies to eat well, support their training, performance and recovery after injury.
They guide athletes to make informed and healthy choices about the food they
eat, when to eat and how much to eat. They give impartial advice and guidance
about sports supplements an athlete may want or need.
The skills and mindset of a sports nutritionist
a. To be a sport nutritionist/dietician requires:
b. A degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field
c. A professional accreditation
d. Experience working with athletes of all levels
e. Familiarity with exercise physiology and the impact of physical activity on
nutritional needs
f. Knowledge of food science
g. Strong interpersonal, communication and networking skills
h. Expertise in food and customised meal plans

Fig 1.14 Good nutrition influences super performance

9. Sports administrator/manager: A sports administrator/managers role involves

overseeing various aspects of sports team, athletes or organisation. The primary
focus is on the business and management side of sports, ensuring the team or
athlete operates efficiently to achieve their maximum potential. The manager

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

ensures the coaches and athletes have the resources they need to succeed. They
promote sports or recreational activities, seek cooperate sponsorship and establish
rules and policies of the organisation.
The skills and mindset of a sports administrator
To be a sports administrator requires:
a. A strategic mindset, capable of setting long-term goals, developing plans, and
making decisions
b. Skills include; adaptability, innovation, collaboration, ethical leadership and
resilience
c. A commitment to the development and well-being of athletes, coaches, staff,
and the broader sports community, striving to create opportunities for growth,
excellence, and success
d. A passion for sports
e. A customer focus
f. A continuous/lifelong learning mindset to stay informed about industry
trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities for innovation and im-
provement

Fig 1.15 A sports administrator.

10. Sports Officiator: A sports officiator, commonly known as a referee, umpire

or official, is a person responsible for enforcing the rules and ensuring fair play
during a sporting event. They make decisions on various matters such as fouls,
violations, scoring, and eligibility of players.
The specific role and title of the official may vary depending on the sport. For
example, in football (soccer), the official is called a referee, while in basketball,
they are known as a referee or an umpire. Other sports, such as tennis, golf,
baseball, cricket and hockey, also have their own unique names for officials.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

The skills and mindset of a sports official

To be a sports official requires:
a) A strong dedication to the sport
b) A passion for fair play
c) The ability to remain calm and composed under pressure
d) A thorough understanding of the rules and regulations of the specific sport
they are officiating
e) Skills include; game management, decision making and communication
f) The ability to make split-second judgments, quick thinking and situational
awareness

Fig 1.16 Officials of different sports

Now! Try your hands on the following activities

Activity 1.1

In a small group, think about and discuss why it is important to choose a career
that aligns with your interests, skills and passions. Choose a group leader who will
present your ideas to the class.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Activity 1.2

With a partner, list as many career pathways in physical education and health as
you can. Think about the various people in sports groups and organisation.
Career pathways

Compare your list with that of another pair, are there any you can add to your list?
Add these to your list above.

Activity 1.3

With a partner, discuss two career pathways you would like to have in physical
education and health. Tell your partner why you think you would be good at this
job.

Career pathway Why I’d be good at this job

1.

2.

Join with another pair, and play a game of charades by role-playing your chosen
career pathways for the new pair to guess.

Exploring Sports Careers in Physical Education and

Health
Before we look at the various sport careers one can get into, let us define sports.
Sports are physical activities performed within a set of rules and undertaken as part
of leisure or competition. Sporting activities are carried out by teams or individuals
and may be supported by an organising body such as the Schools and Colleges
Sports Federation, Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA), Colleges of
Education Sports Association (COESA), Ghana Athletics Association (GAA), Ghana
Football Association (GFA), Confederation of African Football (CAF), Federation of
International Football Associations (FIFA), etc.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Types of Sports that can be Performed as a Career

The following are examples of sports that can be performed professionally as a career:

Athletics
Track and field athletes compete in track and field events for their clubs and some go
on to represent their country at the international level.
Athletics test the athlete’s endurance, strength, and speed. It involves competitive
running, walking, jumping, and throwing.

Fig 1.17 Athletes doing what they do best

Fig 1.18 Components of Athletics

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Ball Sports
Starter task: Click on the link below:
https://youtu.be/lsFz05GqSes

How many ball sports did you recognise in the video?

Ball sports are games that use a ball in play. These include football, basketball, handball,
netball, volleyball, hockey, cricket, table tennis, baseball, polo, etc.

Fig 1.19 Some ball games in Ghana

Board Sports
Watch this videos below on skateboarding:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dy-DFwH_50
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvDZnEmbIWk
These types of sports are played with a specific board used as primary equipment.
Examples of this type are surfing and skateboarding.

Fig 1.20 Moving on wheels

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Fig 1.21 Surfing the waves

Combat Sports
Watch this videos below on wrestling:
https://youtu.be/luSat_G-U64
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U7vQLDLC9s
Combat sports are also called fighting sports. It is a competitive contact sport that
involves one-on-one combat. It covers all martial arts and ancient fighting events,
whether they use brute force or specific weapons. Examples include kick boxing, mixed
martial arts, judo, taekwondo, wrestling and boxing.

Fig 1.22 Some combat sports in Ghana

Cycle Sports
Cycling, or cycle sports, includes all competitive physical activities that use bicycles.
They can be carried out as a race or a performance that shows tricks using bikes.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Examples include mountain biking, track cycling and cyclocross.

Fig 1.23 Cycle Sports

Gymnastics
Starter task: Watch the video below:
https://youtu.be/4CFmnVAw5bc?si=hkbTOHUDYZLpUQA-
What did you observe in the video? Keep them in mind as we discuss gymnastics.
Gymnastics is the performance of systematic exercises that require and show balance,
flexibility, coordination, strength, and overall physical conditioning. These are often
done by using different apparatuses such as rings, beams, and bars.

Fig 1.24 Gymnastics activities

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Indoor Sports/Games
These are games that do not require an open field to be played. They can be played
at home or in a specially structured indoor setting. Most table-top games are indoor
games. Some outdoor sports were developed to be played indoors, too. Examples of
these are indoor cricket, indoor soccer, basketball, table tennis and badminton.

Fig 1.25 Examples of indoor sports

Multi-Sport Events
This refers to events that consist of different sports. It mixes a group of disciplines that
are performed consecutively. Examples include biathlon, triathlon, pentathlon, and so
on.

Fig 1.26 Participants of triathlon, tetrathlon, pentathlon and decathlon events

Motor Sports
This is a general term that refers to the various competitive sporting events that utilise
motorised vehicles for racing or non-racing competitions. Examples include drag
racing, rally cross, formula one and motorcycle speed way.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Fig 1.27 Examples of motorsports

Racket Sports
Watch the video below on tennis:
https://youtu.be/dsWAqcet4LU
Racket sports encompass all games that involve hitting a ball or another object using
rackets. These types of sports showcase and improve the agility and speed of the players.
Examples include table tennis, tennis, badminton and squash.

Tennis Badminton

Fig 1.28 Examples of racket sports

Strength Sports
The focus of this type of sport is an athlete’s muscular strength and capability. A strong
athlete trains and competes by showing his muscle build or power. Examples include
weightlifting, powerlifting, wrestling, arm wrestling and bodybuilding.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Fig 1.29 Body building sports

Target Sports
This refers to competitive games that involve throwing or shooting a piece of equipment
to hit a target. It enhances focus and concentration and promotes patience. Examples
include darts, croquet, shooting, archery and ten pin bowling.

Fig 1.30 Examples of target sports

Water Sports
Water sports cover all sporting events played or performed in water. Examples include
swimming, diving, synchronised swimming, windsurfing, water polo and sailing.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Fig 1.31 Examples of water sports

Professional Athletes
Watch the video below on professional athletes
https://youtu.be/LPNa3fdr4m4?si=42TmYh3AX2c3KSdW
https://youtu.be/usEiloC8cPs?si=OB0r1OCL_zn2M6kf
A professional athlete is someone who has mastered their sport to such an extent
that they earn a living through their athletic prowess. They train rigorously, compete
at the highest levels and often inspire with their dedication and skills. Examples of
professional athletes in Ghana include Asamoah Gyan, Azumah Nelson, Abedi Pele,
Stephen Appiah and Professor Francis Dodoo, Janet Amponsah, Alice Annum

Fig 1.32 Great athletes of our country

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

The Skills and Mindset of a Professional Athlete

To become a professional athlete, you will need a combination of essential skills and
the right mindset. This includes being:
a) Physically fit, irrespective of any disability
b) Coordinated
c) Competitively minded and motivated
d) Observant and alert
e) Disciplined and willing to work hard
f) Able to remain calm and perform well under pressure
g) Good at communicating with others
h) Able to accept feedback and criticism
i) Able to work well in a team

Activity 1.4

With a partner, answer the following question. What is sport? Surf the internet
or think about sports organisations and personalities and explain sports in your
understanding.
What is sport?

Activity 1.5

In the space below, note down as many sports as you can that can be performed as
a career.
Search from different sources such as the internet, newspapers or books and note
down as many sports disciplines as you can that can be performed as a career.
Sports that can be performed as a career include:

Activity 1.6

Complete the mind map by adding in the skills and mindset of a professional
athlete.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Activity 1.7

With a partner or in a small group, research the career pathway of two professional
athletes in Ghana. Choose a spokesperson from the group to give feedback on their
findings to the class.
Use your findings to complete the table below:
Athlete 1
Name
Early life
Background

Career progression Where did they start?

Where are they now?
How did they get there?
Successes
Challenges faced/overcome
Career statistics and records
Impact on their sport
Impact on the nation

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Athlete 2
Name
Early life
Background

Career progression Where did they start?

Where are they now?
How did they get there?
Successes
Challenges faced/overcome
Career statistics and
records
Impact on their sport
Impact on the nation

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Review Questions 1

REVIEW QUESTIONS 1.1

1. Identify five career pathways in physical education and health.
2. Describe five reasons why it is important to choose a career that aligns with your
interests, skills and passions.
3. Discuss two career pathways in physical education and health identifying the
skills and mindset required for each career pathway.

REVIEW QUESTIONS 1.2

1. Identify five sports that can be performed professionally in your locality.
2. Indicate five skills and attributes that help to make a good professional athlete.
3. Identify a Ghanaian professional athlete and describe the impact the athlete has
had on their chosen sports and on the nation.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Extended Reading
• Twene, I. (2016), Physical Education Made Simple For SHS- Abiola Series, Design print Gh Ltd.
• Master key to reading music, Aseda series by Alfred Adzidah.

Additional Reading on Former Ghanaian Professional

Athletes:
Azumah Nelson was born on 19th July, 1958 and is a retired Ghanaian professional
boxer. Widely regarded as the greatest African boxer of all time, he is currently the
31st greatest pound for pound boxer in the Boxer’s ranking. Nelson held the WBC
featherweight title once and the WBC super featherweight title twice.
He had an impressive amateur career, winning gold medals in the featherweight class
at the 1978 All-Africa Games and the 1978 Commonwealth Games, finishing with a
record of 50–2. Nelson turned professional in 1979. In his third fight on 3rd March 1980,
he knocked out Henry Sadler in the ninth round to win Ghana’s regional 126-pound
title. On 13 December 1980, he knocked out Joe Skipper in the tenth round to add the
African continent’s belt to his Ghanaian regional championship.
In 1981, Nelson achieved his first international victory by defeating Bozzou Aziza in Togo
and then beating Miguel Ruiz in his first U.S.A. fight. He secured the Commonwealth
Featherweight title with a fifth-round knockout of Brian Roberts. Despite these early
successes and an undefeated record in his first 13 fights, Nelson was relatively unknown
outside Ghana. This changed when he challenged WBC featherweight champion
Salvador Sánchez on 21st July, 1982, at Madison Square Garden in New York, where he
fought as the underdog.
He retired on 24th June, 2008. He is now a boxing promoter, boxing trainer and a
philanthropist.
Asamoah Gyan was born on 22nd November 1985, and is a retired Ghanaian
professional footballer who played as a striker for Northeast United and the Ghanaian
national team. Gyan began his career in 2003 with Ghanaian premier league club,
Liberty Professionals, scoring ten goals in sixteen matches. He spent three seasons
with Serie A club Udinese, including two seasons on loan at Modena, where he scored
15 goals in 53 league matches. At Udinese, he scored 11 times in 39 league matches.
Gyan also represented Ghana at the 2004 Summer Olympics and in seven Africa Cup of
Nations tournaments (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017), helping the team
finish in third in 2008 and as runners-up in 2010 and 2015. He retired from football on
20th June, 2023.
Gyan has built soccer Astro turf pitches for Accra academy and Mampong-Akuapim.
He is currently a philanthropist and is involved in soccer scouting through annual
nationwide under-16 soccer tournaments. Since retiring, he has diversified his interests
beyond soccer and has ventured into boxing promotion.
Francis Dodoo was born on 13th April, 1960, is a retired Ghanaian athlete who
competed in the long jump and triple jump. He won a gold medal at the 1987 All

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

African Games and a silver medal at the 1992 African Championships. His best
Olympic performance was 17th place in the 1988 Games. Dodoo is now a distinguished
sociologist at Pennsylvania State University.
In June 2001, he was nominated by the Ghanaian government to serve as the next
Chairman of the Football Association. However, he chose to give up the opportunity
to a more experienced former coach of Ghana, stating that it was a chance for him to
learn from his superiors.
Abedi Pele is a former Ghanaian professional footballer who played as an attacking
midfielder and captained the Ghana national team. He is considered one of the greatest
African footballers of all time. Pele played for several European clubs and gained fame
in France’s Ligue 1 with Lille and Marseille, winning the UEFA Champions League
with Marseille in 1993, among other titles. He was also the first to win the CAF award
in 1992.
Currently, he owns a first division club called Nania, with hopes of nurturing young
talent to strengthen the country’s league. He is also involved in various charity works
across Africa.

References
• Alton, L. (2023). Career vrs Profession: Wha’s the Difference?: https://www.monster.
com/career-advice/article/career-vs-profession
• American College of Sports Medicine: Career Opportunities in Sports Medicine:
https://www.acsm.org/read-research/resource-library/resource_detail?id=b4dfe3da-162f-
4a27-87e6-09ff8f196f8b
• Fryer, T. (2022). The Institute of Leadership & Management: What is a Profession?:
https://www.institutelm.com/resourceLibrary/what-is-a-profession.html
• Reardon, R. C., et al. (2023). National Career Development Association: Career
Development: A Pathway to Professional Success: https://www.amazon.com/Career-
Development-Pathway-Professional-Success/dp/1138894162
• Internet search:
• https://7esl.com/sports-and-games-vocabulary/
• https://www.google.com/search?q=images+on+africa+athletics+sp
orts&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjzo-ipgLiBAxUMmycCHV2MCFsQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=images+on+africa+athletics+sports&gs_

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Year 1 SECTION 1 CAREER PATHWAYS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Acknowledgements

List of Contributors
Name Institution

Dr. Edward Ansah UCC, Cape Coast

Samuel Richard Marcourt Wesley College, Kumasi

Isaac Twene Techiman, MEO

Charlotte Hottor Methodist Girls, Mamfe

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