Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby County 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 community development. You'll study through the Pearson Edexcel BTEC framework, gaining a qualification that supports entry into coaching, sport development, and related roles.
Who this course is for
16-18 year olds with a passion for Football, please see the LFE website and those of the Football Club Charities 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 coaching techniques across a range of sports and activity settings.
You'll study how to plan, deliver, and review coaching sessions.
You'll learn about sports development in community and club environments.
You'll explore anatomy, physiology, and how the body responds to exercise.
You'll build knowledge of sports psychology and how it applies to performance.
You'll understand safeguarding, health and safety, and duty of care in sport.
You'll examine how sports organisations are structured and funded.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based, full-time over two years. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma uses a combination of coursework assignments, practical assessments, and project work. You'll be assessed on your ability to apply knowledge to real coaching and development scenarios. Some units may include observed practical sessions where your coaching delivery is assessed directly.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Derby County Community Trust will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sports coach, working with community groups or club teams
Community sports development officer, promoting participation locally
Football coach, supporting player development at grassroots level
PE teaching assistant, supporting physical education in schools
Leisure centre instructor, delivering fitness and activity sessions
Youth sport coordinator, organising programmes for young people
Sports administrator, supporting the running of clubs or governing bodies
What you could study next
Level 4 HNC in Sport or a related subject, for a more specialist technical grounding.
Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching or Sports Development, available at many universities and colleges.
BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching, Sports Science, or Physical Education, for a full undergraduate qualification.
UK Coaching or National Governing Body coaching awards (such as FA coaching licences) to add sport-specific credentials alongside your BTEC.
