How to become a sports coach
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
University
You can take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- sports coaching and development
- sports and exercise science
- sports studies
- physical education
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You can do a general sports or coaching qualification like a:
- Level 2 Diploma in Sport
- Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching
You may be able to do a Level 3 Diploma in Coaching qualification for your particular chosen sport.
Examples of sports offered include:
- tennis
- cricket
- riding
- netball
- basketball
- judo
If you are already working in a sports related field, your employer may encourage you to take a work based qualification such as:
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Sports Development
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
The following intermediate, advanced and higher apprenticeships are relevant to this role:
- Level 2 Community activator coach
- Level 3 Personal trainer
- Level 3 Community sport and health officer
- Level 4 Sports coach
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
If you're working in sport already, for example in a leisure centre, as a sports teacher or with a sports club, you can take a professional coaching qualification recognised by the national governing body for your sport.
Volunteering
You could get experience as an assistant sports coach by volunteering for a few hours a week with a club or amateur team. This is a common way to start a coaching career.
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Career tips
Coaching awards are often more important than academic qualifications. For professional coaching, some employers will expect you to have a relevant academic qualification.
Further information
You can find out more about coaching and opportunities from UK Coaching.