Sports & Recreation Management
Overview
Develop strong leadership, team building, project management, marketing, and communication skills and be part of a group of graduates who are industry ready and highly sought after by employers.
Do you dream of a career working with your favourite team or sport? Do you have a passion to change the lives of others through building confidence and skills? Are you a team player? These are but a few reasons you should consider the Sports & Recreation Management program at Lambton College.
The program offers graduates a robust, multi-disciplinary approach to the diverse industry that is sports and recreation management. Graduates gain business acumen through a sports and recreation lens. Graduates are prepared to identify, plan, and implement successful recreational activity programs for all ages and abilities. Graduates are able to provide leadership to health and fitness initiatives and wellness programs. This three-pronged approach to the curriculum ensures graduates are prepared for careers in the business of sport and recreation as well as the health and fitness industry.
Program Partners
Students in the Sports & Recreation Management program are given the opportunity to work with a number of companies through various co-op, internship and work placements.
Sarnia Sting
Students can engage in volunteer and internship opportunities within the Ontario Hockey League with the Sarnia Sting. Various positions within Hockey Operations and Game Day Operations are utilized by students to gain a competitive advantage upon graduation.
Detroit Tigers
Students will complete the Detroit Tigers Fundamental Sales Training program right from the Major League Baseball organization.
Toronto Blue Jays
Students have the opportunity to learn about the Toronto Blue Jays Sales & Service Development Program and engage with employees of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Detroit Red Wings
Students complete Fundamental Sales training with the Red Wings to get a better understanding of how to sell in the NHL. Through this partnership, students will sell tickets to upcoming games.
MLSE
Engage with members of the MLSE Sales Development Academy and learn what it takes to work with one of the world's premier sports and entertainment companies. MLSE owns the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL), Toronto Marlies (AHL), Raptors 905 (NBA G League), TFC II (MLS Next Pro) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors esports franchise in the NBA 2K League
General Sports Worldwide
Our students have the ability to build their network with a team that has unmatched experience having worked in the top executive positions across a broad spectrum of premier sports organizations.
PEMAA
Students have the opportunity to learn from an industry leader in Point Edward when it comes to minor sports organizations. Students can examine and engage in the planning process for various leagues from start to finish.
Point Edward Black Hawks
Students have the opportunity to gain experience with a local Community Partner. In 2023, students successfully created "The Best Jamboree Ever" in partnership with Point Edward Minor Hockey. The Battle Under the Bridge was a SOLD OUT Tournament for U7 Hockey.
theClubhouse
Students will interact with 120+ Mentors within the Sports Industry who hold high-level positions within the NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB and many more. Each student will meet virtually with the members of theClubhouse. Utilizing this platform, students will also view Webinars and Blogs to gain insight into what it is like to work in our industry.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton
Opportunities exist for students in the Sports & Recreation Management program to engage in the planning and execution of events with members of Tourism Sarnia-Lambton.
Special Olympics
Students have the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of roles.
Welland
Students can gain industry experience in the Niagara Region with the 2023 Jack and Lynne Dominico Cup Champions. The President and Director of Fun is an alumni of our program.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Experiential Learning
Recess - Focus on Mental Health
The Recess program is designed to create intentional opportunities for students and faculty from the Sports & Recreation Management program to participate in a variety of activities designed to promote laughter, camaraderie, and physical activity .
This optional activity happens one hour each week and is meant to promote good mental health. We often hear from past students about how large a role Recess played in their success in this program.
Real World Experience within Course Curriculum
Our students are exposed to a variety of projects and activities that introduce them to potential employers and give them experience working in the field. Examples include:
- Create and present recreation programs for community partners.
- Host drop-in sessions for non-sport related and sport related activities.
- Organize and run sports leagues and special events in second and third year.
- Run community event with 400+ participants.
- Gain social media experience with community partners is second and third year.
- Network with over 140 professionals from the MLB, NFL, NHL, and NBA.
- Complete portions of National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) training.
- Receive training from the Detroit Red Wings and sell tickets for the NHL team in third year.
Costs
- Year 1 $4,780.94
- Year 2 $4,675.28
- Year 3 $4,675.28
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2026-2027 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Additional Fees
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SRM-5003 Lab Fee$200.00
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SRM-3113 Course Fee$100.00
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SRM-5503 Course Fee$450.00
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SRM-5403 Course Fee$450.00
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom
Hands-On Learning Experiences
Using core course content, with emphasis on experiential learning, students organize and deliver events throughout the year. Past events have included recreational drop-in sessions, tournament and leagues, and various special events.
Sarnia Sting Partnership
Students have the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience assisting the Sarnia Sting in game-day operations, community outreach, and OHL events throughout the program.
Community Partnerships
Students work with Tourism Sarnia-Lambton by volunteering for events, producing social media posts, and working on preparing event bids.
Networking with Industry Professionals
Receive one-to-one career mentorship with over 140 industry professionals from the NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL and more throughout the program.
Courses
Contact
School of Business and Sustainability Leadership
Room B2-106
Program Information
Alumni Success & Employment
Employment Opportunities
Our graduates pursue careers in the public, private, and commercial sectors of the sport and recreation industry. Some of their titles could be, facility and program managers, sports marketing and sales representatives, athletic directors, league administrators, special event managers, fitness and recreation program leaders, equipment and sporting goods representatives, health promoters, educators, and entrepreneurs.
Pathways
Build on your education and complete a college diploma or university degree in Ontario, Canada, or abroad
Want to see more Ontario transfers? Visit ONTransfer.ca.
Paige's Story
Paige completed her studies at Lambton College and took advantage of transfer opportunities to complete her university degree. Hear her story and how she found success at Lambton.
Val's Story
Val Gotelaer is a graduate of the Sports & Recreation Management program. Immediately after graduating, she transferred to University of Windsor by way of a transfer agreement and completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology. After that, she secured a position at the Sarnia Riding Club as the Recreation & Events Coordinator. She currently works for the Sarnia Sting and credits both her internship experience with the same organization and her position at the Sarnia Riding Club.
"Being able to use my experience and prior knowledge as an intern gave me a head start to being successful," said Val.
"Through collaborative class environments and real life experiences in school, I was prepared to be a beneficial employee to my employer."
Internship
Our Program in Action
See some of the opportunities students have for hands-on learning opportunities throughout this program.
Sarnia Sting Partnership
Lambton College and the Sarnia Sting have formed a partnership to enhance experiential learning opportunities for students. The Sting organization offers various opportunities for students including social media content creators, statisticians, video board operator, working with trainer or equipment manager, scouting, game day operations, and assisting with business operations.
More Information
Community Connections are Important
Students in this program are always encouraged to become involved in other events and activities at Lambton College and in the Sarnia community. This increases your industry network and allows you to gain valuable experience and further develop your skills. Opportunities may include:
- Planning and delivering community events and fundraisers
- Volunteering at sporting events and tournaments
- Participating in Lion's Mind or Enactus or any other other group or club offered at Lambton College
Pathways
Transfer to Programs within Ontario
- Bachelor of Human Kinetics (Sports Management & Leadership major) - transfer into Year 3 after graduating with a minimum cumulative average of 75%
Transfer to Programs outside of Ontario
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - International Business - upon completion of the BBA, students can also access pathways into the JAMK MBA program
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that you use a Windows laptop for your coursework. While other devices like MacBooks or Chromebooks might work for some tasks, they may not support all the software required for your program. If you're unsure, check with your professors before buying.
Internet Speed Requirements
To get the best experience while learning online, we recommend having an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you use video calls, attend online lectures, and access other learning tools smoothly.
Because students live in many different areas, we can't suggest a specific internet provider. You'll need to check with local companies to find one that works best for you.
Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
Students will require a mobile device (smartphone) for:
- Accessing your digital student ID
- Using campus applications and services
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.