Level 3 Sports Coaching Course in Loughborough

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyFIRST

About this course

Level 3 Sports Coaching Course in Loughborough. Classes run at Main Campus, full-time during the day. Fees may apply depending on your age and circumstances, so contact the centre to find out what you'd pay.

The course gives you hands-on coaching experience with a range of ages and abilities. You'll develop the skills employers in sports clubs, coaching companies, and leisure facilities look for. Topics include coaching practice, planning sessions, and working safely in sport and leisure settings. The course takes one year to complete.

You'll finish with a Level 3 Certificate in Coaching.

Who this course is for

AN INDUSTRY-RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION THAT EMPLOYERS IN COACHING COMPANIES, SPORTS CLUBS AND LEISURE FACILITIES ARE LOOKING FOR. This course is designed to provide the necessary vocational experience and qualifications for those looking to enter employment within community coaching. You will get an insight into working in the sport and leisure industry through real coaching experience with a range of ages and abilities.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at grade D/3 or above, including English and Maths,or an NVQ Level 2 in Activity Leadership, including Functional Skills/GCSE English and Maths at C/4 or Level 2,or a BTEC/OCR Level 2 Diploma in Sport. Mature students will be considered based on their previous qualifications and/or relevant work experience.

What you will learn

  • You'll plan and deliver coaching sessions for different ages and abilities.
  • You'll develop your understanding of sports science and how it applies to coaching.
  • You'll learn how to assess and improve performance in participants.
  • You'll practise communication and leadership skills in a coaching context.
  • You'll gain experience working in community sport and leisure settings.
  • You'll learn how to create safe and inclusive environments for participants.
  • You'll build knowledge of health, safety, and safeguarding in sport.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical coaching experience. Assessment includes observed coaching sessions, written assignments, and portfolio evidence. You'll be assessed on your ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate coaching in real settings with real participants.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Main Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers sessions at clubs or leisure centres.
  • Community sports coach, works with local groups and schools to promote activity.
  • Coaching assistant, supports lead coaches in structured programmes.
  • Leisure centre instructor, delivers activities and fitness sessions to the public.
  • School sports coordinator, organises and leads sport across a school setting.
  • Youth sports development officer, works with young people to grow participation.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Certificate in Coaching, deepens your coaching knowledge and moves you toward senior roles.
  • Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching or Sports Science, a higher education route for those wanting to specialise further.
  • NVQ Level 3 in Activity Leadership, broadens your vocational experience in sport and leisure.
  • Specialist coaching awards in individual sports, such as football, tennis, or athletics, add recognised sport-specific credentials.

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