Coaching is about supporting others to enjoy, develop and achieve their best through sport and physical activity. Coaching can be voluntary, paid or a combination of both. Coaching takes place in all settings from local communities to professional sport. The following courses and qualifications will help you get started.
Sport Specific Qualifications (from 16 years)
A Sport Coaching qualification is the most common way for most people to take their first course in coaching. Almost every sport offers coach education but it isn’t all about Levels… it can be the type of activity you coach (i.e. Sessional coach in Hockey) or the audience you coach (Children’s coach in Rugby)
“Search for the Governing Body to see what courses are available”.
General Coaching Qualifications (usually 17+ years)
These qualifications are a great way to get involved if you aren’t sure which sport you would like to coach, they also help develop your overall coaching skills. You can read more about what is included in the general coaching courses via the links below:
- Level 1 Multi-skills Activator
- Level 1 Coaching Assistant (Multi-skills)
- Level 2 Multi-skills Development in Sport
- Level 2 in Coaching (Sport & Physical Activity)
Streetgames and Sport Structures are two organisations that deliver a number of these awards.
Visit the Street Games courses to find out more
Visit the Sport Structures courses to find out more
Apprenticeships (usually 16+ years)
Apprenticeships are where you would be employed and trained on the job.
Apprenticeships in Sport range from Coaching and Personal Training to Leisure Centre management and community roles.
Visit the Apprenticeship Guide to find out more
Studying Coaching and/or Sport in Further or Higher Education
School Sixth forms and colleges offer a range of courses in Sport including A.Level PE and BETECS.
Courses at Universities include: A foundation degree in Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport, a Sport Coaching Science Degree as well as a host of Sport Science and Exercise at both Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent.