Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development Course in Wigan. Classes run at Wigan Athletic Community Trust, full-time during the day over two years. You'll need five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English Language and Maths, or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths. The course covers coaching theory, sports development, and the practical skills needed to plan and deliver sessions. It's a level 3 btec sports coaching and development qualification awarded by Pearson Edexcel, giving you a strong foundation for work in sport or further study.
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 techniques for planning and delivering sports sessions.
You'll study sports development principles and how community sport is organised.
You'll learn how to analyse performance and give constructive feedback.
You'll explore anatomy, physiology, and how the body responds to exercise.
You'll build skills in leadership and communication within a sporting context.
You'll understand safeguarding, equality, and inclusion in sport.
You'll apply sports psychology principles to support athletes and participants.
How you will learn
The BTEC format is largely coursework-based. You'll complete assignments, projects, and practical tasks throughout the two years. Some units are assessed through internal assessment marked by your tutors, while others may include externally set assessments or exams set by Pearson Edexcel. Classroom sessions are delivered full-time during the day, and you'll have opportunities to apply your learning in practical coaching environments.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Wigan Athletic 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: grow participation at local level
PE teaching assistant: support physical education in schools
Fitness instructor: lead exercise sessions in gyms or leisure centres
Sports administrator: coordinate programmes and events for clubs or trusts
Academy coach: work within a professional or semi-professional club setup
Leisure centre supervisor: manage activities and staff at a leisure facility
What you could study next
Level 4 HNC in Sport: a higher-level qualification if you want to specialise further before university.
BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching or Sports Development: a degree that builds directly on this BTEC and is widely accepted by universities as entry.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: useful if you want to move into coaching or instructing roles that involve formal teaching.
CIMSPA membership: a professional standard recognised across the sport and physical activity sector.
