Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Birmingham City FC Community Trust, full-time during the day. You'll need five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English Language and Maths, or Functional Skills Level 2 in both subjects. This two-year course covers the knowledge and practical skills behind sports coaching and development. You'll study topics such as coaching methods, player development, sports science, and how to plan and deliver sessions. The course is delivered through the Pearson Edexcel BTEC framework, a level 3 btec sports coaching and development qualification respected by universities and employers in sport.
Who this course is for
16-18 year olds with a passion for Football, please see the LFE website and those of the Club Community Trusts that we work with.
Entry requirements
You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English Language and Maths - both of these must be grades 9-4 (A*-C) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical coaching skills and learn how to plan and lead sports sessions.
You'll study the principles of sports science and how they apply to athlete development.
You'll learn how to analyse performance and give constructive feedback to players.
You'll explore how community sport programmes are designed and managed.
You'll build knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, and duty of care in sport.
You'll understand how to work with different age groups and abilities in a coaching environment.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based, full-time over two years. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC framework uses a mix of assignments, projects, and practical assessments rather than traditional exams. You'll complete coursework units that are internally assessed and moderated. Some units may include external assessment set by Pearson. Practical coaching sessions form a core part of the course alongside classroom study.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Birmingham City FC Community Trust will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sports coach: plan and deliver coaching sessions in your sport
Community sports development officer: run sport programmes for local communities
PE teaching assistant: support physical education in schools
Football development officer: work within a club or trust on player pathways
Leisure centre instructor: lead fitness and sport activities for the public
Sports administrator: coordinate events, fixtures, and club operations
What you could study next
Level 4 HNC in Sport or a related subject: a one-year higher education course if you want to specialise further before a degree.
BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching, Sports Development, or Physical Education: a full degree that opens roles in professional sport, education, and sport management. Many universities recognise the Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma for entry.
PGCE in Physical Education: for those who want to qualify as a PE teacher after completing a degree.
