Lauri, team leader

I originally ended up at sports services based on a friend’s recommendation. I had worked in sports before, including as a football coach. The opposing team’s head coach at the time recommended me to try and become a physical education instructor at sports services, so I ended up applying for the position. In the autumn of 2007, I joined the Sports Activation Unit as a physical education instructor.   

I worked in that job seasonally for several years.   
In 2009–2010, a project related to promoting physical activity for children and young adults was launched, which I applied for. The project took three years, after which the activities created in the project were made regular parts of sports services. That’s how I ended up being a physical education instructor.  

The main task of the senior physical education instructor was to supervise and coordinate recreational physical activities for upper secondary school-age children. The task was very meaningful, and it was what I did for eight and a half years.  
Alongside working as a physical education instructor, I studied for an applied degree in the field. I already had a basic qualification in physical education.

My employer’s support for studying while on the job has been commendable. After University of Applied Sciences, I completed a special vocational qualification in leadership and business management alongside my work. I’m also studying for a master’s applied physical education instructor degree, with a specialisation in management. I’m still a bit in the middle of that one.  
 
At the moment, my permanent position is the team lead of the Liikuntamylly team. My job consists of being responsible for my team and the sports venue, as well as administrative tasks. I’m responsible for the operation of Liikuntamylly, which includes financial responsibility, customer safety, the safety and well-being of my employees, and much more. 
 
Through my own actions, I strive to motivate and ensure that my employees have a good time at work. These are important elements because they’re what the end user – the customer – sees. Our services are very important to the residents. Everyone’s welcome at Liikuntamylly, from top athletes, senior citizens, special groups to groups of young children. Our work exists for the residents.  Liikuntamylly is a very large and comprehensive multipurpose sports venue. Its biggest sports are athletics and gymnastics. In addition, Liikuntamylly has facilities for gym workouts, ping pong, badminton, floorball, climbing, judo, wrestling and other martial arts, group exercise classes, boxing, functional training, gymnastics, iWall games, basketball, volleyball, and cycling. 

Sports services has many different units and tasks, a moderate amount of job rotation, and good opportunities for career advancement. For people interested in sports, working at sports services can be very meaningful and rewarding. After all, our work revolves around happy things and leisure activities, and our tone at work and in customer service is positive. At sports services, we know the benefits of physical education. Our services make people feel better.