16-19 Sports Courses
Our 16-19 Sports courses blend industry-recognised qualifications with hands-on training and real-world work experience, helping young athletes develop their skills and launch their careers in sport. Many of these qualifications carry high UCAS points, with top pathways equivalent to 3 A-levels, providing excellent routes into higher education or full-time employment.
Course Details
Level
Level 3
Duration
1 to 3 Years
Type
Full-time Education
Course Details
Introduction
Our Sports programme offers Level 3 qualifications designed to develop your knowledge and practical skills in sports and physical activity. You’ll study a variety of modules covering coaching principles, fitness training, sports psychology, health and nutrition, and event organisation.
The programme combines classroom learning with practical experiences to prepare you for further education or a career in the sports sector. You’ll also have access to a digital learning platform to support your studies and track your progress.
This comprehensive programme provides a solid foundation in both the theory and practice of sport, helping you make informed choices about your future.
Interested in where your passion for sport can take you? Check out the exciting pathways below!
Pathways
Pathway 1 NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity (Sports Coaching) (360)
The qualification that you study will be dependent on the GCSE grades that you achieve. Where required you will also study Maths and English.
Units
Project One Title-Pathway to Success
- Exercise, Health and Lifestyle (M)
- Preparing for a Career in Sport and Physical Activity(M)
- The Athlete’s Lifestyle (SO)
Project Two Title-Leading in Sport
- Leadership in Sport (SO)
- Assessing Risk (SO)
- Sports Coaching (M)
Additional components
- Digital Skills
- Employability Skills/Careers Advice & Guidance
- British Values
- English & Maths Support
- Work Experience
Pathway 2 NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Sports Coaching) (540)
The qualification that you study will be dependent on the GCSE grades that you achieve. Where required you will also study Maths and English.
Units
Project One Title-Pathway to Success
- Exercise, Health and Lifestyle (M)
- Preparing for a Career in Sport and Physical Activity(M)
- The Athlete’s Lifestyle (SO)
Project Two Title-Leading in Sport
- Leadership in Sport (SO)
- Assessing Risk (SO)
- Sports Coaching (M)
Project Three-Player Development
- Sports Injuries (SO)
- Technical and Tactical (SO)
- Practical Team Sports (SO)
Additional components
- Digital Skills
- Employability Skills/Careers Advice & Guidance
- British Values
- English & Maths Support
- Work Experience
Pathway 3 NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Sports Coaching) (720)
The qualification that you study will be dependent on the GCSE grades that you achieve. Where required you will also study Maths and English.
Units
Project One–Making a difference
- Organising Sports Events (SU)
- Practical Individual Sports (SU)
- Sports Development (SU)
Project Two-Marginal Gains
- Psychology for Sports Performance (SU) Analysis for Sports Performance (SU)
- Work Experience in Sport (SU) – Completed as separate project alongside other projects
Additional components
- Digital Skills
- Employability Skills/Careers Advice & Guidance
- British Values
- English & Maths Support
- Work Experience
Pathway 4 NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Sports Coaching) (1080)
The qualification that you study will be dependent on the GCSE grades that you achieve. Where required you will also study Maths and English.
Units
Project One–Making a difference
- Organising Sports Events (SU)
- Practical Individual Sports (SU)
- Sports Development (SU)
Project Two-Marginal Gains
- Psychology for Sports Performance (SU) Analysis for Sports Performance (SU)
- Analysis for Sports Performance (SU)
- Work Experience in Sport (SU) – Completed as separate project alongside other projects
Project Three-Improving Fitness and Health
- Fitness Training and Programming (SU)
- Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise (SU)
- Sports Nutrition (SU)
Additional components
- Digital Skills
- Employability Skills/Careers Advice & Guidance
- British Values
- English & Maths Support
- Work Experience
Pathway 5 NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training
The Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training trains learners to a professionally competent level, enabling them to prescribe, plan and deliver safe but effective exercise programmes, and to develop their skills and knowledge to allow the learner to pursue a career in personal training.
Course Aims
During the course you will learn
- To recognise the major bones, muscles, cardiovascular-respiratory system, movement capability and energy systems relating to fitness and exercise.
- How to conduct fitness assessments for cardio-respiratory fitness, flexibility, blood pressure and body composition.
- How to plan and teach personalised fitness programmes.
- How to assess a client’s starting point and initiate SMART goals towards a fitness or physical activity training programme.
- How to create and review periodised training programmes around clients’ needs and wants.
- How to understand and evaluate food labels towards client nutritional goals.
- How to engage and provide motivational exercise and fitness sessions.
Course Aims
- Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise
- Maximising the Customer Experience in a Gym Environment
- Supporting Client Health and Well-Being
- Conducting Client Consultations and Gym Inductions
- Planning Reviewing Gym-Based Exercise Programmes
- Instructing and Supervising Gym Based Exercise Programmes
- Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Activity, Health and Fitness
- Client Motivation and Lifestyle Management
- Programming Personal Training Sessions
- Delivering Personal Training Sessions
- Nutrition to Support a Physical Activity Programme
- Business Acumen for Personal Trainers
Cost
Tuition is free for students under 19 years of age.
Please be aware of the following potential expenses:
- Textbooks and study materials.
- Travel to and from training, educational sessions, and matches.
- Any additional tools or equipment required for your studies.
- A training kit, which may be purchased at the start of the season. Further details will be provided upon acceptance into the programme.
- You will need to provide your own electronic device, such as a laptop or tablet, to support your studies.
Entry Requirements
- You must be 16 to 18 years old by 31st August to begin the programme in early September.
- You’ll need four GCSEs at grades 4-9, including English and Maths. If you need to resit either of these subjects, your pathway options may be limited.
- We accept UK passports, EU settled status, and valid leave to remain endorsed on your resident’s card for the duration of the course.
- Non-UK citizens: you will need to provide evidence that you are eligible for funding, possibly through the EU settlement scheme or right to remain. If you are unsure please speak to one of our advisors.
Pathway 5 Only:
- Some experience with gym-based exercises, including free weights, is highly recommended.
- The course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential: therefore, a degree of physical fitness is necessary.
- There is also an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading and writing) involved and learners should have basic skills in communication pitched at Level 2.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us.
Bursaries
We understand that financial support can be crucial. All students enrolled on our course are eligible to apply for bursaries if their household income falls at or below the specified threshold. You may also qualify for free school meals.
Detailed information regarding bursary applications and eligibility will be provided during the enrolment process.
Please note: Income thresholds and bursary payments may vary depending on individual circumstances.
What’s Included
Academic qualifications with intensive football training
Industry work placements
Career Advice and Guidance
Have a question?
We’re here to answer any questions you may have about our 16-19 Sports Courses. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team for personalised assistance.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply now to secure your place on our 16-19 Sports Courses, or contact us with any questions you may have. We’re here to help you achieve your sporting and academic goals.
Do you know you may be eligible for the Turing International Tournament?
All of our learners on this course may be eligible for the Turing International Tournament. For more information about this tournament, click here.