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 Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is equivalent to three A-Levels and offers you 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 you to apply for CIMSPA membership after successfully completing this programme, and is recognised by employers as being suitable for entry to employment in the role of a multi-skills sports coach in the sport development sector. 

Within this 2 year programme you will complete a Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development and have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications and support through a range of optional extras.

What will you study?

YEAR 1	YEAR 2
Mandatory Units
Careers in the Sport & Active Leisure Industry	Applied Coaching Skills
Health, Wellbeing & Sport	Research in Project in Sport
Developing Coaching Skills	Sport Development
	Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
Optional Units
Nutrition for Physical Performance	Rules, Regulations & Officiating in Sport
Practical Sports Application	Sports Psychology
Fitness Testing

Optional Additional Support and Qualifications

• 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
   
• 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

• Supplementary support and coaching to enhance your football ability and athletic development to pursue a career in football such as:

  Up to 10 hours additional training per week delivered by UEFA License coaches
  20+ College football games per year
  Scholarship opportunities in America
  Fitness testing every 8 weeks (STATSports, Veo camera analysis)

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 also 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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Course Update

Please note that due to ongoing major campus construction projects courses at Ballymena, Coleraine and Ballymoney may be relocated to alternative suitable locations as required.

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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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Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas are valued by employers and higher education (Universities and colleges). If you want to get a job straight away you could work in:

• Sports Centres
• Leisure Centres
• Outdoor Activities Centres

If you decide to go to university or college you could take a degree or a BTEC Higher National in subjects such as:

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

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