ABOUT THE EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION
WHO IS THE STUDY PROGRAMME FOR?
The ESPFA is for those who wish to combine progression in football, whilst having the opportunity to gain educational sporting qualifications. This vocational element of the programme is tailored for those who wish to combine progression in football, either playing or coaching, with the dynamic area of physical education, sports coaching and sports science.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS CAN I ACHIEVE?
There is a range of qualifications that are available to students on the course depending on which club you enrol at. The core modules of the education programme focus on developing knowledge and understanding of sports science, leadership and coaching skills to enhance sports performance.
Students can currently achieve the following qualifications:
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NCFE Level 3 in Sport and Physical Activity
WHAT PROGRESSION IS THERE ONCE THE COURSE IS COMPLETED?
Throughout the duration of the course, the ESPFA will present pathways that are on offer from our partners and external institutions for our students to explore post completion of their qualification.
The Level 3 in Sport qualification can lead to further studies in higher education (such as a university) or direct employment opportunities in a variety of sectors, such as sports coaching or sports management. On the football side of the programme, students have the opportunity to play for semi-professional/professional clubs as well as the pathway to study, coach and play in the United States or elsewhere on an international scholarship.
WHERE WILL THE COURSE BE BASED?
The education will be based at a local facility with a dedicated education tutor delivering the qualification supported by a team of senior management staff.
At certain times throughout the duration of the programme, specialist facilities may also be used for elements of the course.
WHAT OTHER OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?
Students will be given the opportunity to build up their own CV and take part in work experience at the football clubs, gaining experience on match days and non-match days, through a wide range of tasks which could include coaching, administration, promotion, marketing, etc; and will differ from region to region.
IS THERE ANY FINANCIAL SUPPORT?
All enrolled students will be able to apply for bursaries from our education funding partners at the beginning of the educational year.
LEVEL 3 IN SPORT
COURSE ATTENDANCE
Full time.
COURSE COST
FREE (although there is cost for training kit via our partners AFB Kits.)
COURSE LENGTH
1 year for a Diploma with the opportunity to progress to a further year with the Extended Diploma.
WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF THIS COURSE?
If you want to pursue a career in coaching, teaching, sports therapy or are planning to progress on to a higher education sports-related degree, this course is ideal for you. You will gain an in-depth understanding of sports science, coaching, fitness and nutrition. Additionally, the breadth of optional content in this qualification allows learners to widen their opportunities to progress to a number of different higher education courses.
WHAT LEVEL 3 OPTIONS ARE THERE?
Depending on your grades you will study one of the following in the Sports and Physical Activity pathway:-
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Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A levels) - (540 GLH)
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Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels) - (1080 - GLH)
Each region programme is different, for clarification on which qualification your region will study, please speak to your regional recruitment manager.
WHAT ARE THE AREAS COVERED BY THIS COURSE?
Units across the two options include:
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Exercise, Health and Lifestyle
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Preparing for a Career in Sport
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Sports Coaching
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Assessing Risk in Sport
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Fitness Testing
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Leadership in Sport
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Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
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The Physiology of Fitness
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Instructing Physical Activity
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The Athletes Lifestyle
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Analysis of Sports Performance
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Technical and Tactical Skills in Sport
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Sport Development (Extended Diploma Unit Only)
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Current Issues in Sport (Extended Diploma Unit Only)
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Ethics and Values in Sport (Extended Diploma Unit Only)
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Sports Nutrition (Extended Diploma Unit Only)
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Sporting Injuries (Extended Diploma Unit Only)
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Psychology for Sports Performance (Extended Diploma Unit Only)
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO GET INTO THIS COURSE?
Three GCSE’s at grade 4 or above which must include Maths or English. If you gain a 3 in either Maths or English, you will be required to retake that subject during your time on the programme.
HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?
You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including assignments, presentations, research and practical activities
Each unit you complete will be graded either a Pass (P), Merit (M) or Distinction (D) which are worth a certain amount of unit points. On completion of all your units, your points will then be calculated for a total overall amount and you will then be awarded a final grade based on the unit points threshold below.
WHICH QUALIFICATION WILL I BE AWARDED IF I SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THIS COURSE?
On successful completion of the course you will be awarded a Level 3 in Sport Diploma/Extended Diploma in Sports and Physical Activity from the awarding body - NCFE.
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO GO ON TO DO AFTER I'VE COMPLETED THIS COURSE?
On completion of the Level 3 in Sport qualification you can progress onto a sports related degree or another appropriate higher education course. Advice on opportunities for further study will be provided during your course through our education provider.
WHAT ARE THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES?
This course can lead to work in sports coaching, teaching or work in the leisure, sports and fitness sector. In addition, it could provide entry into business and management within the leisure industry. Advice and guidance will be provided during your course by our education providers and also can be discussed at parent/guardian evenings.
HOW MANY UCAS POINTS CAN I ACHIEVE?
Whether you study the Diploma or the Extended Diploma, UCAS points are available for each grade. The highest amount available is 168 which is the equivalent of three A* grades at A-Level. Please see the table below for full details.
PROGRESSION
Whether you study the Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A levels) or the Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels) there are opportunities to progress to Higher Education establishments, such as university or scholarships in the US via the UCAS points you accumulate on successful completion of the qualification you achieve and the grade you are awarded.
UK UNIVERSITY
Our Level 3 in Sport programme is the perfect pathway for progressing on to university here in the UK. During your time on the programme, our highly skilled and experienced tutors and management team will be able to guide you through the application process with UCAS. For more information you can visit the following link - www.ucas.com
SCHOLARSHIPS
Throughout your time on the programme, we will be bringing in external organisations who specialise in providing scholarships in the United States of America and other countries. An attractive pathway for those students who perform well both academically and on the football pitch and wish to extend their education and footballing development in a new environment.
SUCCESS STORIES
Since 2014, there have been many students who have progressed onto higher education or gained apprenticeships in different sectors. Each year we like to highlight some of them, as they showcase what is on offer to new and current students if they achieve their goals.
UNIVERSITY
SCHOLARSHIPS
DEGREE
