Massage therapist - where to start

[InADifferentDirection]

I’m interested in training to be a massage therapist, specialising in sports massage.
What qualifications do I need to have and which do people recommend?
Looking online it suggests as though you don’t need any ‘official’ qualifications, this just seems reckless.
Ideally I would like to be self employed, so what do I need to do to become fully qualified and to be able to get insurance?
There are loads of courses relating to massage therapy but which ones are worth doing and acknowledged?
Has anyone done this before? I have no idea where to start!

I did my level 4 diploma in my spare time last year. You need to be qualified and properly insured if you’re serious about making a living at it - I don’t, it’s not my job, but I do it a bit and keep up my registration and insurance.
My course was every other weekend for six months. There’s theory assignments as well as practical skills tests throughout, then final assessment. It was fun and enjoyable learning a new skill - very different from my real job and I met some nice people.

Thank you for your help @LittleWitch.
Did you do your qualifications through a local college? There are online courses available but surely I would have to do some sort of practical assessment?

I did mine with Active IQ. They run from various centres around the country. Lots of providers out there, they all seem to operate a similar way. Can’t recommend Active IQ if I’m honest , good tutors let down by very poor customer service.