Sports coach apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this rolevolunteering
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
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You can do a general sports qualification such as the following:
- Level 2 Diploma in Sport
- Level 3 Diploma in Coaching
There are also many courses which are specific to a particular sport, for example coaching tennis or basketball.
If you are already working in a sports related field, your employer may encourage you to take a work based qualification such as a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Sports Development.
You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
The following Level 2, Level 3 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
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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. Coaching awards are often more important than academic qualifications. But for professional coaching, some employers will expect you to have a relevant academic qualification.
Sports coach apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- leadership skills
- the ability to teach pupils how to do something
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults. You'll usually need some knowledge of first aid.
Sports coach apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
If you're working with schools and community groups, you'll:
- plan fun, engaging coaching activities, sessions and programmes in a safe environment
- give feedback on performance and help to improve technique
- work with young people, schools, community groups and sports organisations to promote the sport
If you're working with young people involved in competitive sport, you'll: - design basic training programmes
- work on developing more advanced techniques and tactics
- support performers at events and competitions
If coaching at national or international level you'll: - design challenging and varied training programmes
- monitor the physical condition and mental attitude of the people you coach
- work with experts in sport like sports scientists, nutritionists, physiotherapists and programme managers
- mentor other coaches
Working environment
You could work at a university, on a sports field, at a fitness centre, at a school or at a college.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Career path and progression - Sports coach apprenticeships
With qualifications and experience, you could become a coach development officer, helping other coaches develop their skills and qualifications.