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Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching Course in St Albans

CostFREE
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching Course in St Albans. Classes run at Oaklands College St Albans Campus, full-time during the day.

The BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is endorsed by CIMSPA, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity. You'll build coaching knowledge and technical skills, and gain hands-on experience as a coach. The course runs over 36 weeks. You'll need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths and English, or a full Level 2 with a merit profile.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development.

Who this course is for

This is a career-focused qualification with industry endorsement and accreditation. You will study the L3 National Foundation Diploma in the first year with the option to progress to the L3 Extended Diploma in the second year.

It enables learners to develop underpinning knowledge and technical skills and to gain experience as a coach. It is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), which has confirmed that the qualification is fully mapped to its professional standards of CIMSPA �Coach� and �Safeguarding and Protecting Children�. CIMSPA�s endorsement of this qualification allows learners to apply for CIMSPA membership after successfully completing this programme, and is therefore recognised by employers as enabling learners to enter employment in the job role of a coach in the sports sector.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 9 - 4 including maths and English or a full Level 2 with a merit profile and grades 9 - 4 in English & maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop core coaching skills and techniques used in sport and physical activity.
  • You'll study the principles of sports development and how programmes are planned and delivered.
  • You'll learn how to support athletes' physical and mental performance.
  • You'll explore anatomy and physiology relevant to sport and exercise.
  • You'll gain practical experience applying coaching methods in real sessions.
  • You'll understand safeguarding, inclusion, and duty of care in a coaching environment.
  • You'll build knowledge of sports leadership and how to organise sporting activities.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical coaching activities, and work-based experience. Assessment is through assignments, projects, and portfolio evidence rather than formal exams. You'll complete units that build on each other across the 36 weeks. Practical sessions give you the chance to apply coaching skills directly.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Oaklands College St Albans Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers coaching sessions for a club or leisure centre.
  • Community sports development officer, runs participation programmes for local communities.
  • PE teaching assistant, supports physical education in a school setting.
  • Fitness instructor, leads group or individual exercise sessions.
  • Sports coordinator, organises sporting events and activities for an organisation.
  • Youth sports leader, works with young people in after-school or holiday programmes.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, the natural next step from this qualification and available at many colleges including Oaklands.
  • Level 4 or Level 5 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Sport, for those wanting to move into higher education.
  • CIMSPA-endorsed coaching awards in specific sports, which add specialist credentials alongside your Diploma.
Apply on oaklands.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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