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Recreation, Sports and Leisure

A student in a life jacket carries a paddle board under their arm, walking outside through a grassy field. Other students walk alongside and behind carrying paddles and other paddle boards.

Our busy days are often highly scheduled, making it essential that quality wellness and recreation services are available within our community. Recreation and sport professionals help build healthy communities and develop programs for individuals of all ages.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Recreation, Sports and Leisure
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Two years
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students

Ministry-approved program title: Recreation and Leisure Services – Sports

Find your career

This program prepares students for leadership positions in sports and recreation programs. Train to: 

  • Design recreational initiatives for community recreation centres, fitness clubs, seniors’ facilities, college and university athletic departments, community associations such as the YMCA, service clubs, corporate fitness programs, tourist resorts and cruise ships. 
  • Manage indoor and outdoor recreation, sports and fitness facilities or start your own business. 
  • Graduates may obtain industry recognized High Five certification in leadership and coaching required to work with day camps and children’s programs.

Our grads get great jobs

  • Assistant Program Coordinator, Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre 
  • Community Development Coordinator, Batawa Development Corporation 
  • Activity Director, The Carrington Retirement Residence 
  • Recreation Coordinator, Tyendinaga Township 
  • VP Business Operations, Canadian Ski Patrol

Is it for you?

Do you enjoy being active? Is your enthusiasm contagious? This is a great program for people who: 

  • Are outgoing and like working with the public. 
  • Have energy to burn. 
  • Possess keen observational skills. 
  • Are good motivators.

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

This hands-on program produces recreation and sport professionals with the skills and knowledge to help people of all ages and abilities combine wellness and physical activity in their daily lives: 

  • Engage in outdoor recreation activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, slacklining and skiing. 
  • Work directly with children and youth with a variety of exceptionalities and abilities within an adaptive recreation setting.   
  • Prepare for self-employment through an independent research project in the final semester. Design an original program or business that can be showcased to employers and investors upon graduation. 
  • Pursue opportunities to complete aquatic and outdoor recreation qualifications. 
  • Gain important public relations, marketing, financial, and research and proposal writing skills. 
  • Hear from industry professional guest speakers in recreation and outdoor education. 
  • Gain 320 hours of on-the-job experience in two field placements within a variety of settings, including municipal health and wellness centres, military recreation, resort destinations, outdoor education centres, retirement and therapeutic recreation facilities, and international programs. 

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

  • Learn with experienced and dedicated faculty who are committed to student success. 
  • The program coordinator has extensive experience working overseas in international children’s programming, connecting students with international placements and jobs. 

Courses

COMM1048 College Writing Skills

This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.

ANAT1000 Human Anatomy and Physiology

This course provides an introduction to anatomical terminology and organization within the human body and its application to exercise. Emphasis will be given to the role of the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, endocrine and nervous systems at rest and during movement.

PSYC1013 Human Development & Sport

The principles and determinants of development are discussed. Topics include the application of developmental theories related to physical, psychological, social, cognitive, moral and spiritual changes throughout the lifespan.

FITN1008 Personal Health and Wellness

Students engage in individual and group exercise activities in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. Emphasis is placed on personal development through all aspects of the wellness continuum. Students are introduced to lifestyle enhancement methods including aerobic conditioning, strength training, flexibility, stress management and nutrition.

PROF1019 Succeeding in Fitness & Recreation

This course will prepare students to successfully transition to a post-secondary learning environment and understand the demands and challenges of the Fitness and Health Promotion and Recreation and Sport Services programs. Topics include academic and study skills, time management, financial literacy and the importance of professional rapport and communication. Students explore exciting career opportunities and pathways within the industry and develop an effective portfolio, cover letter and résumé. Guest speakers and graduates of the program discuss industry expectations and important skills and competencies for a successful career.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

FITN1003 Exercise Physiology

This course examines the body's response and adaptation to acute and chronic exercise participation. Students will relate bioenergetics and energy metabolism to different modes, types and intensities of exercise. The response of various organ systems to exercise will be discussed, as well as considerations for different environments and special populations. Students are also introduced to concepts of exercise prescription and how to train for various modes and intensities of activity. Prerequisite: ANAT 1000

MGMT1009 Human Resources & Customer Service

Students will utilize personality inventories, journaling and role-playing assignments to develop an awareness of self and others with respect to socio-psychological and emotional parameters across the lifespan. This information combined with interpersonal skills, stress reduction, conflict resolution and basic problem solving will be applied to the delivery of quality customer service. This course will also discuss basic theoretical and practical knowledge essential to the organization and administration of various sport and recreation programs.

MGMT1001 Introduction to Program Design

Students develop basic skills in all aspects of fitness and recreational program planning. This course will provide the foundation for program planning that is utilized throughout the program and the industry. Students develop a program plan that incorporates a needs assessment, program administration, marketing, budgeting, risk management and program evaluation. Prerequisite: COMM 1048, PSYC 1013

FITN1009 Sport & Recreation Programming

Students will be provided with the opportunity to experience a variety of fitness and recreation modalities including group exercise, outdoor programming and trending exercise modalities. Active participation in these activities will allow students to expand on their skills and explore potential career pathways. Prerequisite: FITN 1008

MGMT2001 Sport Psychology & Leadership

Students will relate theories of group development, conflict resolution, leadership styles and communication to working in group situations. Students apply aspects of sport psychology and leadership training to team and group environments. This practical application allows the student to reflect on and analyze their own participation in the group experience and their own personal application of group dynamic concepts and skills.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

MGMT2007 Emerging Trends in Sport

Students analyze various economic, sociological, scientific and political factors, learning to identify both current and future opportunities and challenges in the fields of recreation and sport management, and fitness and health promotion.

WKPL2015 Field Placement 1

This course will consist of one four-week block placement in an agency of a discipline within the recreation/leisure services field.

NUTR2001 Nutrition

This is a foundational course in evaluating the nutritional status of a healthy individual and identifying eating practices that may or may not promote health. Students learn to relate the biochemical and physiological processes of human nutrition, utilize nutritional assessment tools and identify differences in nutrition for health and disease. Prerequisite: FITN 1003

PGLE2004 Outdoor Recreation

Students develop an awareness of the variety and uniqueness of outdoor recreation and leisure opportunities. They will experience a number of these activities in a selection of outdoor settings. Students will identify current trends and theories related to the value and benefit of outdoor recreation experiences. In addition, they will apply leadership and facilitation skills related to the successful implementation of outdoor activities.

PROF2029 Professional & Career Development

This course introduces students to the requirements and objectives of the field placement experience within the Recreation and Sport Services and Fitness and Health Promotion programs. Through in-class activities and independent study, students will explore a variety of different agencies, facilities and field placement possibilities. Students research further educational opportunities and the obtainment of relevant industry certifications. Prerequisite: COMM 1048

WRIT2001 Research and Proposal Writing

This course is designed to train students to acquire new and/or enhance their existing skills which are necessary to effectively research, write and appropriately reference a clear, concise and comprehensive proposal for a new business program or special event. Prerequisite: COMM 1048

PHSI2001 Sport Injury Management

This course is designed to provide students with detailed understanding of injury assessment and management. Emphasis will be placed on the acquisition of knowledge, both the theoretical and practical components required to competently assess and manage common injuries sustained while participating in recreational activities. The integrated knowledge and skills acquired from the course will be used as a basis for future, more advanced course work in the areas of lifestyle programming and adapted recreation programming. Prerequisite: FITN 1003

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

RESE2002 Advanced Program Planning and Documentation

Students complete a comprehensive plan for an original and innovative special event or program utilizing all relevant course work and practical placement experience. Prerequisite: WRIT 2001

ENTR2002 Entrepreneurship & Marketing

This course introduces students to the many dimensions of starting different types of businesses. Students examine present and future opportunities to start a business in the sport, recreation, or health promotion field.

WKPL2016 Field Placement 2

This course provides students the opportunity to apply acquired skills and knowledge during a four-week block placement at an organization within the recreation and leisure field.

PHSI2002 Inclusive Programming

This course prepares students to provide inclusive fitness and recreation activities to individuals with a variety of physical, social or cognitive exceptionalities. Emphasis is placed on the design and implementation of safe and inclusive programming, allowing for maximum participation and engagement. Prerequisite: OTPT 2012 or FITN 1003 or PHSI 2001

PGLE2005 Outdoor & Adventure Prg.

Students participate in individual and group physical activity which requires using College and community facilities. Emphasis will be on group leadership skills and on personal lifestyle enhancement programming. An outdoor education experience is included. Opportunities are available for various professional certifications relevant to the field at an additional cost. Prerequisite: PGLE 2004 or PGLE 1002

MGMT2005 Sport & Event Management

Students apply the process of program planning to a special and/or sporting event. They create, plan, implement and evaluate programs and activities that respond to identified needs and interests, and maximize the delivery of personal, social, economic and environmental benefits.

MGMT2004 Sport Administration

This course examines best practices relating to the management of programs, facilities and human resources specific to the field of fitness and health promotion and recreation and sport services. Leadership and management challenges, sound decision-making skills, discussions about risk management, budgeting and relevant government legislation will be discussed.

*Courses subject to change.

A person is participating through a treetop trekking course outside. Fourteen green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent 

OR 

Additional requirements 

  • Standard First Aid (Level C) and AED (adult, child, infant) is required prior to placement in year 2 (Semester 3).  Students are provided information on obtaining their certification during the program. 
  • Immunization record and/or personal health history 
  • The program includes a physical fitness component. Prospective students with special needs, limitations or health-related issued that may affect their field placement or potential employment opportunities are encouraged to discuss their career goals with the program coordinator as part of the application process.  

Recommended academic preparation 

  • Sciences and mathematics. 
  • Applicants with a baccalaureate degree focusing on exercise sciences may be eligible for direct entry into year two. 

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) 

Do you have work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning? Through Loyalist’s PLAR program, applicants and current students may be eligible to receive academic credit for relevant educational, work and life experiences.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Total: $4,089.08 
  • Additional Program Costs: $579 (year one) and $466 (year two) 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.  

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • International Tuition: $15,000 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659 
  • Total: $17,026 
  • Additional Program Costs: $579 (year one) and $466 (year two) 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies. 

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

A student in the recreation, sports, and leisure program is wearing a Loyalist Lancers hoodie bouncing a basketball outside. Fourteen blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Pathways and university transfer 

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey.

  • A common first-year curriculum allows a seamless transition into Fitness and Health Promotion. Graduates have the opportunity to complete a dual diploma in just one additional year. 
  • Earn a double diploma in another college program in as little as one year. 
  • Specialize with a post-graduate certificate in Public Relations – Event Management. 
  • Receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university.
  • Explore pathway opportunities.  

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