Sports Coaching and Development (optional Irish FA specialism) - Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 4th September 2023
End date: 6th June 2025
Information event: Y

Course fee: FREE (See eligibility criteria)

Additional fees:

£125 Irish FA Registration Fee and Kit (cost to be confirmed)

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Course Content

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is equivalent in size to three A Levels and offers learners the opportunity to progress to Further study and Higher Education.  The qualification is mapped and endorsed by CIMSPA ‘Coach’ and ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children’ professional standards. CIMSPA endorsement allows learners to apply for CIMSPA membership after successfully completing this programme, and is therefore recognised by employers as being suitable for entry to employment in the role of a multi-skills sports coach in the sport development sector.

Units covered

Year 1

Mandatory Units

• Careers in the Sport & Active Leisure Industry
• Health, Wellbeing & Sport
• Developing Coaching Skills

Optional Units

• Nutrition for Physical Performance
• Practical Sports Application
• Fitness Testing

Year 2

Mandatory Units

• Applied Coaching Skills
• Research in Project in Sport
• Sport Development
• Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity

Optional Units

• Rules, Regulations & Officiating in Sport
• Sports Pyschology

Additional Qualifications

As part of the course, you will also have the opportunity to achieve coaching awards as well as:

• Active IQ Level 2 Award in Understanding Nutrition, Performance and Healthy Eating
• Active IQ Level 2 Award in Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People in Sport and Active Leisure

Optional Irish FA qualifications:

• Futsal Introductory Award
• Grassroots Introductory Award
• Football Fundamentals
• Level 1 Coaching Award
• Futsal Referee Award
• Futsal Level 1
• Full Referee Award
• Football for All Workshop
• OCN Level 2 in Football Business
• IFA Roles Volunteers and Staff
• Show Racism the Red Card
• Coaching Disabled Footballers

If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification. This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.

This course will entail completing an AccessNI.

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Course Aims

• To provide the necessary knowledge and skills to gain employment in the wide variety of Sports Careers.
• To investigate also the breadth of the Sports Industry, from Health and Fitness; Coaching Teaching and Instruction; Sports Therapy; Health Promotion; Sports Development; Countryside Recreation and Outdoor Pursuits.
• To establish a basis, through appropriate achievement, for continuing education and career development. A Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is a practical workrelated course. You learn by completing projects and assignments which are based on realistic workplace activities and demands.

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Special Features

• Recognised coaching qualifications in a variety of sporting disciplines.
• Visits, guest speakers and involvement in local Sports Development Projects.
• Team building residentials.

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Assessment Methods

Continuous Assessment through assignments and practical activities.

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Applicants should have at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above, or other relevant qualifications, or appropriate work experience. In circumstances where there are more applications for the course than there are places available, the College reserves the right to ask for higher grades.

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Due to a wider choice of optional units, this course allows learners to access employment and self-employment in varying areas such as:

• Coaching in different tourist locations ie sports centres, leisure centres and/or outdoor activities centres
• Working towards delivering sport curriculum in schools or
• Working towards running their own coaching company.

Alternatively learners can progress to university or college to study a degree or a BTEC Higher National in subjects such as:

• Sports Studies
• Leisure Management
• Recreation Management
• Teacher Training

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