BTEC Level 3
National Foundation Diploma
in Sports Coaching and Development.

Your Sports Qualification.

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Course overview

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is intended for post-16 learners wanting to progress to employment, including self-employment, in sports coaching and roles such as sport development officer.  

The National Foundation Diploma is a one-year, full-time course. Learners can gain UCAS points as below but will usually need to complete the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (1 additional year) to be able to progress to university: 

P – 24, M – 48, D – 72, D* – 84  

AWARDING BODY

Pearson

START DATE:

September 2023

COURSE TYPE:

Blend of Face to Face and Online

DURATION:

1-year

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

We recommend you have five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, one being in English or Maths, to be best suited for this programme. You may also hold a relevant Level 2 qualification, plus an ability to operate at Level 2 in either English or Maths.

AGE:

For 16-18-year olds

Learners aged 19+ may be eligible for funding if they have an EHCP

COST:

The cost of this tuition is fully funded for 16-18-year old’s.

Sports kit may be required, dependent on education centre. However, bursary/financial support is available for those eligible. Refer to the SCL Bursary Policy for further details.

YOUR PROGRAMME
YOUR EDUCATION
WORK EXPERIENCE
SPORTING ENRICHMENT
PROGRESSION ROUTES

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with employers and professional bodies. This ensures that the content is appropriate and consistent with current industry practice, which enables learners to enter employment directly in sports coaching and development roles. Higher education institutions have been consulted to ensure that the qualification allows appropriate progression for those aspiring to higher-level study.

The qualification is also mapped to the CIMSPA ‘Coach’ and ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children’ professional standards. 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 a multi-skills sports coach in the sport development sector.

Learners taking this qualification will study five mandatory units and one optional unit. The mandatory units are:

  • Careers in the sport and active leisure industry
  • Health, wellbeing and sport
  • Developing coaching skills
  • Sport development
  • Self-employment in sport and physical activity
  • Practical sports application

The content within the programme allows learners to develop their technical skills, supported by underpinning knowledge, and gives learners the opportunity to relate the skills and knowledge to the sports coaching industry. This prepares learners to work independently as coaches and gives them the skills and expertise to coach at all levels of sports ability for both children and adults.

YOUR EDUCATION

Your BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development will combine a mix of theoretical and practical learning.

During your education programme, you will benefit from:

  • High quality and passionate tutors who are specialists in sport
  • Quality assurance and performance coaches to oversee your tutor and lessons
  • An innovative learning experience using our virtual learning hub, plus access to free Microsoft software
  • Wellbeing programme and mental health support
  • A safe learning environment with the highest level of safeguarding

 

INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE

SCL are nationally accredited for information, advice and guidance and we are trained in these areas to help you with your development.

Our Careers Leader oversees our careers information, advice & guidance strategy. Each learner will receive impartial and relevant guidance to support a successful transition onto their next step of their professional journey, wherever that may be.

Our Careers Leader is dedicated to supporting you to understand your career options and how to get there. This is underpinned by a programme of work experience and continual development of work-ready and life skills.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Our passionate team of Progress Coaches will deliver SCL’s Personal Development Programme, which will consist of a blend of group workshops and individual development meetings, aimed to add significant value to the progress and development of each learner.

The programme will include key themes such as morals and values, mental health awareness, healthy relationships, digital skills, and careers, and will form part of your timetable, with a scheduled 1.5 hours per week.

Your Personal Development Programme will allow you to stand out from the crowd. You will develop the behaviours, attitudes and values, inspired by sport, which are transferrable into the professional world, supporting you to receive the best possible opportunities for your future.

In addition, the Progress Coach team will support learners through an online ‘Essentials’ programme, aiming to grow their social awareness and develop them for success.

 

ENGLISH & MATHS

If you are yet to pass a qualification in English and/or maths prior to starting your programme with SCL, you will be required to study one or both alongside your qualification in sport.

We know that English and maths can be challenging and have invested in our services to help you overcome that challenge. Upon course completion, the skills you acquire will be evidenced by either a Functional Skills or a GCSE qualification.

Learn more

WORK EXPERIENCE

We understand the difference that experiencing the real world of work can make to your achievement on your course and your ability to make good decisions for your future which is why, as part of your education programme, you will take part in a minimum of 24 hours’ of work experience. 

During your programme, you will receive opportunities to experience a range of careers which link directly to your qualification and also careers outside your subject area which might interest you, link to a hobby or subject you enjoyed at school so you can explore the world of work and where your education at SCL could lead! 

Participating in sports coaching and development related work experience allows you to enhance your personal development and knowledge of the sports industry. 

You will gain insight into what it will be like to work in the sports industry, whilst developing your communication, IT, time management and team working skills. 

Through our partnerships, you will also have the opportunity to explore other career areas by participating in virtual or in-person work experience placements in industries outside of sport that you are interested in finding out more about.  

By showcasing your skills, knowledge and personality through work experience and direct engagement with employers, you will increase your opportunities to secure meaningful employment, an apprenticeship or university place upon completion of your course. 

Further careers information, advice and guidance and support securing an appropriate work experience placement will be provided through our Careers Leader, our team of Progress Coaches and your Tutor. 

Alongside your BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, you will complete a minimum of 4 hours’ practical development each week, with the opportunity to take part in weekly competitive match fixtures.

Throughout your programme, you will complete a Player Performance Profile, which will include fitness testing, evaluation of your playing attributes, a SWOT analysis, and game time and injury reviews.

We don’t just measure your progress based on your academic grades on your programme. This is about developing you as a player and as a person.

We will also measure your progress for Sporting Excellence and soft skills, such as communication, presentation, timekeeping and your ability to meet deadlines.

COMPETITIVE MATCH OPPORTUNITIES

During your programme, you will have opportunities to play in competitive matches and league systems to support your sporting development and put your training into practice. Competitive fixtures are scheduled to fit in with your sporting and education development programmes.

Selected SCL football centres* play in the Youth Development League, an FA sanctioned youth league that brings together ambitious footballing talent from across the country.

*Subject to venue

EMPLOYMENT

Upon successful completion of your study programme, you will receive information, support and guidance on a variety of aspects to support you in securing meaningful employment. This will form the basis of your tutorial sessions, in addition to the academic monitoring and target setting.

 

SPORT

Studying with SCL provides you with an opportunity to play professional or non-professional sport, as well as a pathway to progress to a USA Scholarship. An American Scholarship will allow you to continue your studies whilst training and competing at a high level.

 

FURTHER EDUCATION (INCLUDING APPRENTICESHIPS)

Upon successful completion of your programme, you will be eligible to progress onto the second year modules of the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport Coaching and Development. Should you decide to combine further study with employment, you will be eligible for an apprenticeship within the sport and leisure industry.

 

HIGHER EDUCATION

Upon successful completion of your programme, you may be eligible to progress onto a relevant higher education degree programme (depending upon other Level 3 qualifications which have been achieved).

 

The world of sport is ever growing and the possibilities for a career in the industry are endless.

We believe that by using the power of sport, you can achieve anything. We give you every opportunity to reach your potential, you have the power to open the door to your future.

See where your future in sport could take you.

Progression Opportunities
YOUR PROGRAMME

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with employers and professional bodies. This ensures that the content is appropriate and consistent with current industry practice, which enables learners to enter employment directly in sports coaching and development roles. Higher education institutions have been consulted to ensure that the qualification allows appropriate progression for those aspiring to higher-level study.

The qualification is also mapped to the CIMSPA ‘Coach’ and ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children’ professional standards. 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 a multi-skills sports coach in the sport development sector.

Learners taking this qualification will study five mandatory units and one optional unit. The mandatory units are:

  • Careers in the sport and active leisure industry
  • Health, wellbeing and sport
  • Developing coaching skills
  • Sport development
  • Self-employment in sport and physical activity
  • Practical sports application

The content within the programme allows learners to develop their technical skills, supported by underpinning knowledge, and gives learners the opportunity to relate the skills and knowledge to the sports coaching industry. This prepares learners to work independently as coaches and gives them the skills and expertise to coach at all levels of sports ability for both children and adults.

YOUR EDUCATION

YOUR EDUCATION

Your BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development will combine a mix of theoretical and practical learning.

During your education programme, you will benefit from:

  • High quality and passionate tutors who are specialists in sport
  • Quality assurance and performance coaches to oversee your tutor and lessons
  • An innovative learning experience using our virtual learning hub, plus access to free Microsoft software
  • Wellbeing programme and mental health support
  • A safe learning environment with the highest level of safeguarding

 

INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE

SCL are nationally accredited for information, advice and guidance and we are trained in these areas to help you with your development.

Our Careers Leader oversees our careers information, advice & guidance strategy. Each learner will receive impartial and relevant guidance to support a successful transition onto their next step of their professional journey, wherever that may be.

Our Careers Leader is dedicated to supporting you to understand your career options and how to get there. This is underpinned by a programme of work experience and continual development of work-ready and life skills.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Our passionate team of Progress Coaches will deliver SCL’s Personal Development Programme, which will consist of a blend of group workshops and individual development meetings, aimed to add significant value to the progress and development of each learner.

The programme will include key themes such as morals and values, mental health awareness, healthy relationships, digital skills, and careers, and will form part of your timetable, with a scheduled 1.5 hours per week.

Your Personal Development Programme will allow you to stand out from the crowd. You will develop the behaviours, attitudes and values, inspired by sport, which are transferrable into the professional world, supporting you to receive the best possible opportunities for your future.

In addition, the Progress Coach team will support learners through an online ‘Essentials’ programme, aiming to grow their social awareness and develop them for success.

 

ENGLISH & MATHS

If you are yet to pass a qualification in English and/or maths prior to starting your programme with SCL, you will be required to study one or both alongside your qualification in sport.

We know that English and maths can be challenging and have invested in our services to help you overcome that challenge. Upon course completion, the skills you acquire will be evidenced by either a Functional Skills or a GCSE qualification.

Learn more
WORK EXPERIENCE

WORK EXPERIENCE

We understand the difference that experiencing the real world of work can make to your achievement on your course and your ability to make good decisions for your future which is why, as part of your education programme, you will take part in a minimum of 24 hours’ of work experience. 

During your programme, you will receive opportunities to experience a range of careers which link directly to your qualification and also careers outside your subject area which might interest you, link to a hobby or subject you enjoyed at school so you can explore the world of work and where your education at SCL could lead! 

Participating in sports coaching and development related work experience allows you to enhance your personal development and knowledge of the sports industry. 

You will gain insight into what it will be like to work in the sports industry, whilst developing your communication, IT, time management and team working skills. 

Through our partnerships, you will also have the opportunity to explore other career areas by participating in virtual or in-person work experience placements in industries outside of sport that you are interested in finding out more about.  

By showcasing your skills, knowledge and personality through work experience and direct engagement with employers, you will increase your opportunities to secure meaningful employment, an apprenticeship or university place upon completion of your course. 

Further careers information, advice and guidance and support securing an appropriate work experience placement will be provided through our Careers Leader, our team of Progress Coaches and your Tutor. 

SPORTING ENRICHMENT

Alongside your BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, you will complete a minimum of 4 hours’ practical development each week, with the opportunity to take part in weekly competitive match fixtures.

Throughout your programme, you will complete a Player Performance Profile, which will include fitness testing, evaluation of your playing attributes, a SWOT analysis, and game time and injury reviews.

We don’t just measure your progress based on your academic grades on your programme. This is about developing you as a player and as a person.

We will also measure your progress for Sporting Excellence and soft skills, such as communication, presentation, timekeeping and your ability to meet deadlines.

COMPETITIVE MATCH OPPORTUNITIES

During your programme, you will have opportunities to play in competitive matches and league systems to support your sporting development and put your training into practice. Competitive fixtures are scheduled to fit in with your sporting and education development programmes.

Selected SCL football centres* play in the Youth Development League, an FA sanctioned youth league that brings together ambitious footballing talent from across the country.

*Subject to venue

PROGRESSION ROUTES

EMPLOYMENT

Upon successful completion of your study programme, you will receive information, support and guidance on a variety of aspects to support you in securing meaningful employment. This will form the basis of your tutorial sessions, in addition to the academic monitoring and target setting.

 

SPORT

Studying with SCL provides you with an opportunity to play professional or non-professional sport, as well as a pathway to progress to a USA Scholarship. An American Scholarship will allow you to continue your studies whilst training and competing at a high level.

 

FURTHER EDUCATION (INCLUDING APPRENTICESHIPS)

Upon successful completion of your programme, you will be eligible to progress onto the second year modules of the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport Coaching and Development. Should you decide to combine further study with employment, you will be eligible for an apprenticeship within the sport and leisure industry.

 

HIGHER EDUCATION

Upon successful completion of your programme, you may be eligible to progress onto a relevant higher education degree programme (depending upon other Level 3 qualifications which have been achieved).

 

The world of sport is ever growing and the possibilities for a career in the industry are endless.

We believe that by using the power of sport, you can achieve anything. We give you every opportunity to reach your potential, you have the power to open the door to your future.

See where your future in sport could take you.

Progression Opportunities

EDUCATION CENTRES

Opportunities to learn at one of our sporting ‘Aspirational Hubs’ which provide a unique and exciting way to learn that is different to the traditional experience at schools and colleges.

SPORTING ENRICHMENT

Access to an aspirational, high quality ‘Sports Excellence’ programme with our sports academies to nurture sporting talent and develop highly effective transferable skills, behaviours, and attitudes for future career destinations.

PROJECT BASED LEARNING

Our ‘Project Based Curriculum’ provides our learners with an opportunity to apply what they learn through work related scenario-based assessments that ensure they ‘practice’ and ‘apply’ their new knowledge in situations which they may face in their future.

ENGLISH & MATHS

Access to our blended, innovative approach to the delivery of English and Maths to drive forward learner knowledge/skills crucial for success in future work.

PROGRESS COACH

A specialist ‘Progress Coach’ team deliver our ‘Personal Development Programme’ which focuses on the development of behaviours, attitudes and knowledge and adds value for our learner’s future progression opportunities.

CAREERS EDUCATION LEADER

Access to a highly qualified ‘Careers Education Leader’ and ‘Careers Education Programme’ to ensure learners are fully aware and improve their access to positive progression destinations/options.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Access to high quality internal and external work placement opportunities which supports our learners’ application of new knowledge as well as place them in the ‘shop window’ for future careers/employment.

CURRICULUM PATHWAYS

An opportunity to become a ‘lifelong learner’ at SCL due to our exciting and ‘career focused’ curriculum pathways which include opportunities to consider progression into one of our excellent SCL Apprenticeships.

MICROSOFT TEAMS

We use Microsoft Teams to engage with learners, collaborate effectively and communicate efficiently.

We are there to support every step of the way.

95% of SCL learners feel confident about doing their course.