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Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching Course in Durham

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching Course in Durham. Classes run at New College Durham, full-time over two years.

The course builds the practical skills and knowledge you need for a career in sports coaching and development. You'll develop leadership, decision-making, and coaching techniques alongside the ability to plan and deliver sessions. The course is free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply depending on your circumstances.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development.

Who this course is for

Course may be subject to change.

This course aims to provide you with the practical skills and knowledge needed for a range of careers in the sports industry, with a focus upon sports coaching and development.

Prepare for employment within the industry or further study by gaining vital skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes to succeed. This will be achieved through the development of key transferable skills such as, leadership, coaching, decision making, collaboration, teamwork, communication, active reflection, planning and problem-solving skills.

Entry requirements

Please refer to College website.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop coaching skills to plan and lead sports sessions.
  • You'll learn how to support athlete development at different levels.
  • You'll build leadership and decision-making skills in a sporting context.
  • You'll study the principles of sports development and community engagement.
  • You'll practise collaboration and teamwork in coaching environments.
  • You'll gain knowledge of health, safety, and safeguarding in sport.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom sessions, practical coaching activities, and project-based assignments. Assessment is mainly through coursework and portfolio evidence rather than exams. You'll apply your skills in real coaching scenarios as part of your studies at New College Durham.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. New College Durham will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers coaching sessions for clubs or community groups.
  • Community sports development officer, promotes participation in sport locally.
  • PE teaching assistant, supports physical education in schools.
  • Leisure centre instructor, leads fitness and sports activities for the public.
  • Sports development coordinator, works with organisations to grow sporting programmes.
  • Youth sports worker, delivers sport and activity sessions for young people.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Sport, a larger qualification for learners wanting more depth before university.
  • HNC or HND in Sport, a higher-level route into sports science, coaching, or management.
  • Degree in Sports Coaching or Sports Development, for those aiming at professional coaching or sports leadership roles.
  • Coaching licences through national governing bodies, such as FA or UK Athletics awards, to qualify in a specific sport.
Apply on newcollegedurham.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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