Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development Course in Walsall. Classes run at Walsall FC Foundation, full-time during the day. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English Language and Maths, or Functional Skills Level 2 in both subjects. The course runs over two years and covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to coach and develop sport at a community level. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is a Level 3 qualification that carries weight with employers and universities.
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 coaching skills and learn how to plan and deliver sports sessions.
You'll study the principles of sports development and how community sport is organised.
You'll explore anatomy and physiology and how the body responds to exercise.
You'll learn how to support athlete development and improve performance.
You'll study sports psychology and how to motivate participants.
You'll develop skills in leadership, communication, and working with groups.
You'll learn how to evaluate your own coaching practice and improve it.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Walsall FC Foundation, combining theory with practical coaching activities. Assessment is through a mix of assignments, projects, and practical tasks. There are no written exams for most units. You'll build a portfolio of work over the two years that demonstrates your knowledge and coaching skills.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Walsall FC Foundation will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sports coach. Plan and deliver coaching sessions in community or club settings.
Community sports development officer. Promote and grow participation in local sport.
PE teaching assistant. Support physical education in schools.
Fitness instructor. Lead exercise sessions in gyms or leisure centres.
Youth worker (sport). Use sport to engage and support young people.
Sports administrator. Coordinate programmes and events for clubs or organisations.
Football development officer. Deliver football coaching and outreach in the community.
What you could study next
Level 4 HNC in Sport or a Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching. A natural next step if you want to go deeper into coaching theory and practice.
BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching, Sports Development, or Physical Education. Many universities accept the BTEC National Diploma for degree entry.
Level 3 Award in Coaching (sport-specific). Adds a recognised coaching licence in a specific sport alongside your BTEC qualification.
