BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development focuses primarily on progressing to employment as an assistant coach. It is intended for post-16 students who want to progress directly to employment, including self-employment, in sports coaching and development roles. It is also suitable for those wishing to progress to higher education, where students have the added advantage of using the qualification to help them obtain part-time employment while studying.

For the BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development programme, all students registered on this programme should have accredited prior learning in both Maths and English (previously achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above or Functional Skill Level 2 in both). The Foundation Diploma has an additional 180 GLH required to complete the qualification, so students who don’t have to resit Maths and English qualifications additionally would therefore have the time and ability to manage.

This is a career-focused qualification with industry endorsement and accreditation. It enables learners to develop underpinning knowledge and technical skills, and the ability to use their knowledge and skills to positively impact sports development programmes, as well as gain experience as an assistant coach. 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’s endorsement of this qualification allows students to apply for CIMSPA membership after successfully completing this programme and is therefore recognised by employers as enabling students to enter employment as an assistant coach or in sports development roles in the sector. An example of this could include assisting to coach a range of multi-skills sports activities, working (in a self-employed capacity) with an organisation that delivers these sessions in schools and leisure centres, or supporting sports development community-based projects to increase participation in sport and physical activity.

Through a mix of lectures, workshops, independent research, and practical sports practice, talks and presentations from sports industry professionals. You will be given the opportunity to achieve additional qualifications including coaching, fitness and instructing awards whilst also being able to gain some vital work experience. There will be organised trips to sports related organisations, a residential, adventure activities and taking part in sports teams and activities.

Suitable and practical sportswear/kit which includes appropriate sports footwear.

These BTEC Nationals are assessed using internal assessments, which are set and marked by teachers and externally verified by Pearson.

The qualification taken on its own would lead to employment as an assistant coach. This may involve working with youth sport or working with children at beginner levels. The qualification progresses to the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development which is likely to attract UCAS Tariff points and is recognised by higher-education providers as contributing to entry requirements for related courses.

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