Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development Course in Sunderland. Classes run full-time at Sunderland College Bede Campus. The course is co-designed and co-delivered with industry partners, giving you direct connections to the sports sector in the North East and beyond. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 to 9, including English, or a relevant Level 2 qualification to get started. The level 3 BTEC sports coaching and development classes cover coaching practice, sports development, and the knowledge needed to move into roles in coaching, development, or physical education.
Who this course is for
This course is specifically co-designed and co-delivered with a range of industry partners to produce the next generation of sports coaches, sports sevelopment officers and physical education teachers in the North East and beyond.
Entry requirements
You will need 4 GCSE's at a grade 4- 9, including English. Or a relevant Level 2 qualification.
What you will learn
You'll develop coaching techniques used across a range of sports and settings.
You'll study the principles of sports development and how programmes are planned and delivered.
You'll explore anatomy, physiology, and how the body responds to exercise.
You'll learn how to plan, deliver, and evaluate coaching sessions.
You'll understand safeguarding, equality, and duty of care in sport.
You'll build knowledge of physical education and how it is taught in school settings.
You'll examine sports psychology and how it influences performance and participation.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions delivered alongside industry partners. Assessment is through a combination of coursework assignments, practical coaching observations, and externally assessed units set by Pearson Edexcel. You'll complete assignments linked to real coaching and development scenarios. Practical sessions give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a coaching environment.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Sunderland College Bede Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sports coach, working with clubs, schools, or community programmes
Sports development officer, designing and running participation initiatives
PE teaching assistant, supporting physical education in schools
Fitness instructor, delivering exercise sessions in leisure facilities
Community sports coordinator, managing local sport and activity projects
Strength and conditioning assistant, supporting athlete training programmes
What you could study next
Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport, for a broader qualification that strengthens university applications.
BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching or Sports Development at university, building on your BTEC to pursue a degree in the field.
PGCE or School Direct (Physical Education), if you want to qualify as a PE teacher after completing a relevant degree.
Level 4 Certificate in Coaching, for those moving directly into professional coaching roles.
