How to become Sports coach
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
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
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You can do a college course as a way into this career, for example:
- sport
- sports coaching and development
- coaching sports and fitness
You may be able to do a coaching qualification that's specific to your chosen sport.
Sports include:
- tennis and cricket
- netball and basketball
- hockey
- martial arts
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You can apply to do an apprenticeship to begin your career in coaching.
These include:
- Community Activator Coach Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Personal Trainer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Community Sport and Health Officer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Sports Coach Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
These can take up to 2 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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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.
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Career tips
Coaching pay can vary, as many jobs are part-time or paid by the session.
Further information
You can find out more about coaching from UK Coaching.
