Sport – Manchester City

The purpose of a CITC BTEC Sports Coaching programme is to combine academic learning with practical football coaching, providing learners with a pathway to careers in the sport and active leisure sectors or to higher education in sports-related degrees, like the Manchester Metropolitan University course. The programme offers holistic football education, enhancing skills on and off the pitch, and provides a unique insight into professional football coaching at a world-class club like Manchester City FC. 

Key purposes of the CITC Sports programmes:

• Skill and Knowledge Development: Equips learners with the fundamental theoretical knowledge and practical coaching skills needed to work in the sports industry. 
• Career Progression: Prepares learners for employment as coaches, instructors, or leaders within the sports and active leisure sectors. 
• Higher Education Pathway: Provides a route to universities for sports-related degrees such as coaching, sports development, or sports science. 
• Professional Experience: Offers real-world experience by combining classroom education with hands-on coaching and practical opportunities within a professional club setting, like access to facilities at the Etihad Campus. 
• Community and Personal Development: Aims to be an inclusive, holistic programme, fostering the development of both the players' footballing abilities and learners' overall education. 

What learners can expect:

• Theory and Practice: A balanced curriculum of classroom-based learning and practical application of coaching techniques. 
• Quality Coaching: Access to expert coaching to enhance both playing and coaching abilities. 
• Unique Opportunities: Experience what life would be like coaching in an academy session and potentially engage in work experience across various sports settings. 
• Inclusivity: Open to both male and female participants without the need for trials, supporting a wide range of learners.

Within this partnership, learners will choose between 2 pathways:

1) Sports Coaching and Development at either Level 2 or Level 3

2) Sports and Exercise Science at either Level 2 or Level 3

Alongside these pathways, they will participate in a Football programme with 4 hours of training and a matchday programme every week.

Sports Coaching and Development Level 2 and 3:

The primary purpose of NCFE Sports Coaching and Development qualifications is to provide learners with an introductory understanding of sports coaching and the sport sector, equipping them with the necessary practical and technical skills to deliver safe coaching sessions, start a career in sport, or progress to further and higher education. These qualifications offer a foundation in the principles of coaching, anatomy, fitness, and career preparation for those interested in the sports industry. 

Key Purposes

• Introduce Sports Coaching Principles: To teach the fundamental principles and safe practices involved in delivering sports coaching sessions. 
• Develop Practical and Technical Skills: To enable learners to acquire hands-on experience and technical expertise in coaching. 
• Prepare for a Career in Sport: To give learners the introductory skills needed to begin a career in the sports sector or for progression into employment. 
• Facilitate Further Study: To provide a solid foundation for learners to pursue higher or further education in sports-related fields, such as Level 3 qualifications, apprenticeships, or university programs. 
• Offer Breadth and Depth: To incorporate a core body of knowledge within the sports vocation, providing both a wide overview and deeper insights into the field. 

What Learners Gain

• An understanding of how to safely plan, deliver, and evaluate sports coaching sessions. 
• Knowledge of key areas such as anatomy and physiology, fitness, sports nutrition, and lifestyle. 
• Insight into career opportunities within the sports and physical activity sector. 
• Opportunities to develop skills that can be transferred to other industries. 

Sport and Exercise Science Level 2 and 3

The purpose of NCFE's Sport and Exercise Science qualifications is to provide learners with foundational knowledge and practical skills in the sport and physical activity sector, preparing them for further education, apprenticeships, or direct employment within the industry. Courses cover core subjects like anatomy, physiology, psychology, nutrition, and fitness testing to enable learners to analyse performance, promote health, and develop expertise for careers in various sports and exercise-related roles.  

Key Purposes

• Career Preparation: To equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to start a career in the vibrant sports and physical activity industry. 
• Further Study: To provide a strong academic foundation for progression into higher education, such as university degrees in sport and exercise science. 
• Industry Insight: To give learners an introductory understanding of the sport and physical activity sector, including its various aspects and potential pathways. 
• Skills Development: To develop transferable skills, including analytical skills, leadership, risk assessment, and practical application of sports science principles. 

What You'll Learn

• Scientific Foundations: In-depth study of functional anatomy, applied physiology, biomechanics, and the principles of nutrition and sports injuries. 
•  Performance Analysis: Techniques for analysing and understanding sports performance to help individuals and teams achieve peak performance. 
•  Fitness & Health: Fitness testing, the design and programming of fitness training, and the relationship between exercise, health, and lifestyle. 
•  Psychology & Coaching: Understanding the psychology of sports performance and learning coaching and leadership skills. 

The assessment plan for both Sports Coaching and Sport Science pathways are replicated.

Level 2

The Level 2 course will be assessed via written work, practical projects and presentations; one unit will be assessed via external exam. Each unit is graded Pass (P), Merit (M) or Distinction (D).

Level 3

The Level 3 course will be assessed via exams, written reports, posters, practical projects, projects, presentations and work experience. Each unit is graded Pass (P), Merit (M) or Distinction (D).

Level 2

Progression onto a variety of higher level courses, employment or apprenticeships. e.g. Level 2 Sports Coaching and Development to Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development, likewise for Sport Science.

Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science

Progression from a Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 qualification includes pursuing a Higher Education Degree (such as BSc Physiotherapy or Sports Science), undertaking a Higher Level Apprenticeship, or gaining entry into the fitness industry through related qualifications like Level 3 Personal Training or Sports Massage. Other options include starting a career in sports development, coaching, or health promotion, or utilizing the transferable skills for related fields such as nursing, public services, or self-employment. 

Higher Education

University Degrees

Common degree pathways include:

• BSc Physiotherapy 
• BSc Sport and Exercise Science 
• BSc Physical Activity and Education 
• BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology 
• Foundation Degrees in related fields 

Entry to University

The Level 3 qualification carries UCAS points, making it a recognised route to university. 

Employment & Apprenticeships

Fitness Industry

You can gain specific industry qualifications to work as:

• Fitness Instructor 
• Personal Trainer 
• Sports Massage Therapist 

Apprenticeships

You can progress to a higher-level apprenticeship in sports development or related fields. 

Career Roles

Graduates often find employment as:

• Sports Development Officer 
• Sports Coach 
• PE Teacher 
• Performance Analyst 
• Sports Therapist 
• Health and Wellbeing Coach.

Further Industry Qualifications 

• Coaching & Leadership: You may also have the opportunity to gain National Governing Body (NGB) coaching qualifications or leadership awards as part of your Level 3 course.

• Specialised Skills: Related industry qualifications can also include Exercise Referral and Sports Massage.

Other Opportunities

• Self-Employment: The course provides skills and knowledge that can lead to self-employment in various sports-related businesses. 

• Related Industries: Transferable skills gained from the course are valuable in other sectors, including nursing, public services, and the NHS. 

Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development

After completing a Sport Coaching and Development Level 3 qualification, you can progress to higher education (university degrees), higher-level apprenticeships (like Community Sport and Health Officer or Sports Coach), or directly into employment within the sports and leisure sector as a sports coach, personal trainer, or administrator. The Extended Diploma is often UCAS-point equivalent to three A-Levels, helping to secure university places. 

Further Education

University Degrees

Pursue a degree in Sports Coaching, Sports Science, Sports Development, or a related field, which can prepare you for higher-performance roles.

Foundation Degrees: 

Progress to a Level 4 Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching & Exercise, which is a stepping stone to a full degree.

Apprenticeships 

Higher-Level Apprenticeships 

Enter apprenticeships such as Community Sport and Health Officer or Advanced Coaching.

Sports Coach Apprenticeship

The Sport Structures standard is a dedicated pathway for coaches in schools, communities, and high-performance environments.

Direct Employment 

Career Paths: Many roles are available in the sports and leisure sector, including:

• Personal Trainer
• Sports Coach
• Sports Development Officer
• Fitness Instructor
• Sports Administrator
• Event Organiser.