Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development Course in Burnley. Classes run full-time at Burnley College over two years. This free BTEC sports coaching and development course is open to learners with five GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 qualification. You'll develop coaching skills through hands-on experience with peers, local schools, and community sporting events. Year one covers coaching fundamentals, sport development, and officiating. Year two builds into applied coaching, school sport delivery, and a research project.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for those with career aspirations for being innovative sports leaders. This CIMPSPA-accredited qualification will develop the confidence to lead through developing coaching skills, and knowledge methods and theory through regular industry experience through coaching peers, local schools and running sporting events and competitions for the local community. Those who complete this course will be able to follow career in sports coaching, activity leadership, sports development and PE Teaching.
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above including English and Mathematics or a relevant Level 2 qualification. GCSE in Physical Education is desirable.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical coaching skills through sessions with real participants.
You'll study the rules, regulations, and officiating requirements across different sports.
You'll plan and run sporting events and competitions for the local community.
You'll explore sport development and how it operates at local and national level.
You'll apply technical and tactical knowledge to specific sports.
You'll deliver sport sessions in school settings.
You'll complete a research project in sport, developing analytical and academic skills.
You'll learn about self-employment and career routes in the sport and active leisure industry.
How you will learn
The course is 100% internally assessed. There are no exams. You'll be assessed through theory-based written reports, practical coaching sessions with real participants, presentations, and reflective reviews of your own performance. Coaching assessments take place in real settings, including local schools and community events. All assessment is coursework-based and builds across both years of the programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Burnley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sports coach, working with clubs, schools, or community groups
Activity leader, running sessions for leisure or community organisations
Sports development officer, supporting participation at local level
PE teaching assistant, supporting physical education in schools
Community sports coordinator, organising events and programmes
Fitness instructor, leading group or individual exercise sessions
What you could study next
Level 4 or Level 5 HND in Sport or Sports Coaching, available at many universities and colleges, for those wanting to go deeper into coaching theory and practice.
A degree in Sports Coaching, Sports Science, or Physical Education, for those aiming toward PE teaching, sports management, or higher-level coaching roles.
A PGCE or School Direct route into PE teaching, if you go on to complete a relevant degree first.
