Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development

The Level 3 BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is intended for post-16 learners, who are looking to progress to employment. The one-year, full-time qualification has been developed in consultation with employers and professional bodies. This ensures it is appropriate and consistent with current industry practice and allows students to enter employment directly as an in assistant coach.

Additionally, higher education institutions have also been consulted and when studied alongside other Level 3 qualifications as part of the study programme, the qualification allows appropriate progression for those aspiring to go on to higher-level study.

Within the course you will undertake a wide range of practical coaching experience at the college and in local schools, where you will put into practice the theory learnt in the classroom. You will also have the opportunity to take extra qualification such as a recognised first aid certificate, a gym instructor award as well as other industry relevant qualifications.

This qualification consists of the following mandatory and selected optional specialist units.

Mandatory Units

The mandatory content allows learners to develop their technical coaching skills, supported by underpinning knowledge, and gives learners the opportunity to relate the skills and knowledge to the sports coaching and development industry.

• Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry

  The Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry unit provides the skills and knowledge needed to apply for a career in the sport and active leisure industry.

• Health, Wellbeing and Sport

  The Health, Wellbeing and Sport unit explores the importance of physical activity and wellbeing for different types of participants and suggest ways to improve their physical and mental health status.

• Developing Coaching Skills

  The Developing Coaching Skills unit develops coaching knowledge and skills to help improve others' performance skills, techniques and tactics across a range of sports.

• Sport Development

  The Sport Development explores the principles of sport development, the key agencies involved and provide practical examples of current practice.

• Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity

  The Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity unit develops knowledge and understanding of self-employment and applies this to develop a self-employment strategy within the context of the sport industry.

Optional Specialist Units

Students will also study one optional specialist unit (as determined by WUC Course lead) from the following:

• Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
• Rules, Regulations and Officiating in Sport
• Practical Sports Application
• Organising Events in Sport and Physical Activities

The optional specialist units allow students to explore the varying areas of sports development, broadening their knowledge, skills and behaviours, and supporting their work plans. Examples of these areas include breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, holiday clubs or sport-specific/multi-sport assistant coaching.

The following information provides students with the entry requirements for this particular course.

• 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 or A*-C
• Must include English, Maths and Science
• Satisfactory references from most recent school, college or employer

Please note:
Alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on application.

Units are assessed using a wide variety of methods including through forms of written, practical assessment and presentation assessment.

The Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is focused primarily on progression on to the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development or employment as an assistant coach. This may involve working with youth sport or working with children at beginner levels, for example primary-school age. Many primary schools are 'buying in' support for physical education teaching in school hours as well as for after-school clubs and holiday clubs. This industry has increased substantially in recent years since the introduction of the physical education and sport premium, which currently funds £320 million per year of government funding.

The qualification is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels and when combined with other qualifications, students can progress to higher education degree programmes, particularly in the areas of Sport and Exercise Science, Performance Analysis, Coaching, Sport Psychology or Physical Education.

The qualification 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 'Assistant Coach' and 'Safeguarding and Protecting Children'. CIMSPA endorsement allows learners to apply for CIMSPA membership after successfully completing this programme, and is therefore recognised by employers as being suitable for entry to employment in the role of an assistant coach or in sports development roles in the sector. CIMSPA members are able to continue to develop their careers through industry-endorsed Continuing Professional Development programmes.