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Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development

Course Code

Sports Coaching and Development

Course Type

School Leaver Course

Course Duration

1 Year

Location

Central Campus

Start Date

1 September, 2025

This coaching and development course is ideal for school leavers with a strong interest in sport and physical activity, who want a vocational alternative to A Levels. It’s designed for aspiring sports professionals, aiming to become personal trainers, fitness instructors, sports coaches or PE assistants, and learners looking to build the skills needed for entry-level roles in the sport and leisure industry. If you are progression-focused and planning to move on to a full Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, an apprenticeship in coaching or sport, or a foundation degree or university course in a related subject, this is a great stepping stone too.

There are four different pathways, each one year long:

National Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching
National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development
National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development
National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development

National Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching: You should have a minimum of three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, with Maths or English at grade 4 or above.

National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development: You should have a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English.

National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development: You should have the Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching.

National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development: You should have the Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development.

The National Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching is equivalent to one A Level and has three mandatory units.

The National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is equivalent to one and a half A Levels and has six units, five of which are mandatory.

The National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is equivalent to two A Levels and has seven units, six of which are mandatory.

The National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is equivalent to three A Levels and has 12 units, seven of which are mandatory.

Units include:

Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
Health, Wellbeing and Sport
Developing Coaching Skills
Applied Coaching Skills
Research Project in Sport (set by exam board)
Sport Development
Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
Sports Psychology
Nutrition for Physical Performance
Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
Sporting Injuries
Functional Sports Massage
Influence of Technology in Sport and Physical Activity

Facilities you will have access to include:

Sandwell Aquatics Centre (gym, swimming pool, sports hall)
4G pitch at WBA Academy
Edgbaston Stadium
WBA Media Suite

Trips to sporting venues
Opportunities to train and play football for the West Bromwich Albion Foundation
Industry relevant guest speakers
Visits to universities

Combination of written reports, assignments, practical application and presentations.

This qualification allows you to progress directly to employment as an assistant coach or coach, or to self-employment in the coaching and development sector. Depending on your pathway, the optional content allows you to widen your opportunities to progress to a number of different higher education courses.

You could move on to a full Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, an apprenticeship in coaching or sport, or a foundation degree or university course in a related subject.

Course Details

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Exam Board

Study Mode

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Course Duration
1 Year

Course Type
School Leaver Course

Start Date
1st September, 2025

Study Mode
Full Time

Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development

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Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development

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