Sports Coaching and Development

Qualification 

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development

What does the course involve?

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with employers and professional bodies. This ensures that the content is appropriate and consistent with current industry practice to enable you to enter employment directly in a sports coaching role. Higher Education institutions have been consulted to ensure that the qualification allows appropriate progression for those aspiring to higher-level study.

This is a career focused qualification with industry endorsement and accreditation. It enables learners to develop underpinning knowledge and technical skills and to gain experience as an assistant coach. It is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), which has confirmed that the qualification is fully mapped to its professional standards of Assistant Coach and Safeguarding and Protecting Children.

CIMSPA's endorsement of this qualification allows you to apply for CIMSPA membership after successfully completing this programme, and is therefore recognised by employers as enabling learners to enter employment in the job role of assistant coach in the sports sector.

An example of an assistant coaching role could include assisting to coach a range of multi-skills sports activities, working with an organisation that delivers these sessions in schools and leisure centres.

For the Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching, you will study three mandatory units (equating to 360 GLH):

• Unit A: Careers in the Sports and Active Leisure Industry
• Unit B: Health, Wellbeing and Sport
• Unit C1: Developing Coaching Skills

For the Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, you will study three mandatory units (equating to 540 GLH):

• Unit 1: Sport Development
• Unit 2: Self-Employment in Sport and Physical Activity
• Unit 5: Anatomy and Physiology in Sport

The mandatory content allows you to develop your technical coaching skills, supported by underpinning knowledge, and provides the opportunity for you to relate these to the sports coaching industry.

Requirements  

The most important thing you need in order to undertake this qualification is an enquiring mind, an interest in the sport and active leisure industry, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively.

It is not a requirement for you to have previously completed a sport specific qualification , but it would be appropriate for you to have previously demonstrated the ability to effectively manage and work at Level 3.
     

Teaching methods

Sessions are taught using a combination of practical and theoretical work, using Moodle, class notes, practical exercises, video/audio demonstrations, visits to and from employers or industry staff, case studies, presentations, research projects and sharing own experiences within the sport and active leisure industry. During all teaching, independent study in and outside of the classroom will be expected and Internet research and competent ICT skills are essential.  

Duration

One to three years. The Sports Academy (Sports Coaching and Development Qualification) is accessible to every RNC student, sessions are flexible to fit in alongside your individualised academic / vocational timetable. Sports Coaching and Development students receive up to 10 hours of Sports Coaching and Development sessions per week, depending on the individual student. In addition, students can also access practical Sports Academy lessons which are tailored around you individualised academic timetable and alongside others from your chosen sport.

Where will it take me?

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching and the Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching & Development has a primary focus on progressing to employment but it might also be taken alongside other vocational qualifications or A Levels to provide a route to Higher Education.

The qualification attracts UCAS Tariff points and is recognised by Higher Education providers as contributing to entry requirements for many related courses. When combined in a two-year, full-time study programme with other qualifications, such as A Levels or a relevant Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma, you could progress to Higher Education degree programmes, such as a BA(Hons) in Sports Coaching and Development and a BA(Hons) in Sports Management.