Sporting Excellence Professional Apprenticeship
Dream of playing at the highest level? Our Sporting Excellence Professional Apprenticeship is your pathway to mastering your sport. Develop the skills, fitness, and mindset to compete professionally in Football, Cricket, Rugby, or Equestrianism. Elevate your game and step into the arena of elite athletes.

Course Details
Introduction
This isn’t just training; it’s a transformation. You’ll immerse yourself in a world of high-performance sports, learning the intricate details that separate good from great. We’re talking about mastering your craft, pushing your physical and mental limits, and understanding the lifestyle that fuels champions. You’ll take ownership of your development, learning to optimise your performance, navigate external pressures, and represent your sport with integrity. It’s about more than just playing; it’s about becoming a role model, an ambassador, and a force to be reckoned with. This apprenticeship is your chance to step into the professional arena, to dedicate yourself to excellence, and to craft a sporting legacy that inspires. If you’re ready to commit to the ultimate challenge, this is your starting line.
Career Progression
Successful completion of the Sporting Excellence Professional apprenticeship is the ideal foundation for a long and successful playing career, helping you to excel at the highest level of your sport. The programme provides you with the advanced tactical, technical, and psychological skills needed to secure your position and progress within a competitive first-team environment. Furthermore, this nationally recognised qualification provides a strong platform for your future beyond the pitch, opening up progression routes into roles such as coaching, scouting, athlete management, or sports media. The knowledge and discipline gained are also highly valuable for careers in the wider health and fitness industry or for pursuing higher education opportunities at university, ensuring you are prepared for a successful life both in and out of your sport.
Cost
There are no course fees for you to pay for this apprenticeship.
Your training costs are fully funded by the government and your employer. You will be a paid employee, earning a wage while you learn and train.
Entry Requirements
To be considered for the Sporting Excellence Professional Apprenticeship, you will need to meet the requirements set by both the government for apprenticeships and the specific sports employer.
Essential Requirements:
- Employment: You must be employed by a professional sports club in a role that allows you to develop the skills of a Sporting Excellence Professional. This is a job-based programme.
- Age: You must be 16 or over. There is no upper age limit.
- Residency: You must have the right to work in England.
- Maths & English: Apprentices are required to achieve Level 2 (equivalent to a GCSE grade 4-9 or A*-C) in both English and maths to complete their programme. If you are under the age of 19, achieving these qualifications is a mandatory requirement. However, for apprentices aged 19 and over, an exemption can be claimed at the start of the programme if your employer agrees. If you do not hold these qualifications and an exemption does not apply, we will support you to achieve them during your apprenticeship.
Employers will set their own entry requirements and will need to be registered with the National Governing Body and/or Leagues relevant to the professional player pathway for their sport to ensure they are able to provide the right environment in which to successfully develop Sporting Excellence Professionals.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us.
What’s Included
Industry-Recognised Qualifications
Hands-On Practical Experience
Earn While You Learn
Expert Mentorship and Guidance
Have a question?
We’re here to answer any questions you may have about our Sporting Excellence Professional Apprenticeship. 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 Sporting Excellence Professional Apprenticeship, 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.