Level 2 in Sport (Coaching & Fitness)

Wanting to combine your passion for football and/or fitness with a career in the sports industry? This NCFE Level 2 qualification in sport gives students the introductory skills to either start a career in sport or progress with their academic studies within this sector. This one year qualification prepares learners with the underpinning knowledge and practical competence that allows them to progress of level 3 recognised qualifications.

Delivered across a variety of state-of-the-art facilities across Sheffield, by qualified teaching staff and enrichment coaches, this two-year qualification offers sport and fitness motivated post-16 students the opportunity to study whilst actively participating in a football or fitness enrichment pathway. The new contemporary vocational qualification has been designed in conjunction with feedback from employers and industry experts, in order to help students develop the necessary skills and qualities that are required to work within sport. A core focus of the qualification is to provide practical work-experience opportunities to the students, allowing them to develop, and apply, the necessary skills needed for direct employment within the industry. This is underpinned by a broad range of academic skills and knowledge, that allows learners to take their first steps within the diverse and ever-changing sport and fitness industry.

Students will learn from highly qualified staff with a range of academic and sport-industry backgrounds within sport science, health, coaching, and fitness. Students will benefit from a broader range of local, regional and national connections available through the Community Foundations and its associated partners. During their study students will have numerous opportunities to undertake additional vocational awards and workshops designed to help facilitate their personal and professional development. This includes undertaken additional coaching and fitness qualifications, tutorial sessions, residential trips, European tours, progress meetings. work placement, employability and progress events, as well as numerous trips and rewards.

Sheffield United Community College

• Courses Delivered at Westfield LU: Enjoy professional facilities for a unique learning experience.
• Football Pathway: Benefit from UEFA-qualified coaching, represent Sheffield United Community College in NFYL/EFL competitions, and gain access to performance analysis, matchday media, physio support, GK training and physical conditioning programmes.
• Fitness Pathway: Qualify to work in the fitness industry as a gym instructor. Gain essential knowledge, skills, and experience, and obtain 5 industry-recognised qualifications.
• Media Pathway: Prepare for a a career the sports media industry by gaining hands on experience, build up a portfolio of work and obtain an additional A-level qualification (Level 3 Certificate in Creative Content & Production).
• Individualised Work Experience: Access hands-on opportunities in various industry roles.
• Additional Qualifications: Obtain certifications in coaching, fitness, mental health, first aid, and safeguarding.
• Value-Added Opportunities: Participate in end-of-term Trips, Residentials, Industry Speakers, Career Events, Malaga CF Tour, Varsity Competition, and enjoy College Rewards and Awards Evening.
• English & Maths GCSE Resits Available
• Unique Student-to-Staff Ratio: Ensures comprehensive, personalised support for every student.

For accreditation purposes Sheffield United Community College deliver their sports qualifications in partnership with Sheffield College.

For more information please check out our College Prospectus

Course Background

This NCFE Level 2 qualification in sport gives students the introductory skills to either start a career in sport or progress with their academic studies in this sector. The course is a specialist work-related course built around the NCFE platform; It aims to build knowledge of practical sports performance, training and personal fitness, sports coaching, anatomy and physiology and many more. This one-year qualification prepares learners with the underpinning knowledge and practical competence that allows them to progress to Level 3 recognised qualifications. Students’ bespoke timetables combine their academic and practical study alongside work experience, tutorial sessions and their chosen enrichment programme.

The course comprises of both classroom and practical lessons, sport and industry-based learning and features various assessment methods that will prepare students for further academic study. Most units are assessed through assignments which are submitted via our interactive learning platforms in a variety of formats including; written reports, posters, practical sports, demonstrations, group tasks, interviews, practical coaching, presentations, work experience, projects, performance observation and case studies. This study programme is ideal for people interested in going on to study sport-based courses at university, or wish to pursue a career pathway within teaching, coaching, fitness, youth work, sport science, sports therapy or sports development.

This one-year qualification provides a smooth pathway and transition onto our BTEC Level 3 in Sport qualification

Enrichment Pathways: Your Course, Your Choice

As part of their study programme, Sheffield United Community College students are required to partake in one of three enrichment pathways that are unique to the college. Students will benefit from our outstanding enrichment pathways, helping to broaden their knowledge, understanding and skills within the areas of Football, Fitness or Esports. College enrichment has been redeveloped to allow for a greater choice and flexibility in how students manage their study programme. Enrichment is a fundamental part of their course, therefore, we wanted this to match up with the student’s passion, ambition and career direction. All three pathways are unique in how they are delivered, but all three provide elements of practical activity, competition, educational components and additional qualifications.

• Football Development Pathway
• Fitness Pathway
• Esports Pathway
• Media Pathway

Please view our college website for more information about our Enrichment Pathways

Value Added

• E-Learning Hub: As part of the learning experience, each student is provided access to their own E-learning platform which includes access to virtual classrooms, email, and cloud storage.
• Additional Qualifications: During their study programme our students will have numerous opportunities to undertake additional vocational qualifications and workshops designed to help facilitate their personal, and professional development. This includes qualifications in coaching, leadership, officiating, health and fitness.
• Tutorial Programme: Through our tutorial programmes, learners will engage with a diverse range of thought-provoking, challenging, and relevant topics that extend beyond their core post-16 qualification. These topics not only prepare students for their future endeavours, but also broaden their understanding and knowledge of current and practical matters in today’s society.
• Careers and Progression: this programme is in place to support and guide our students through the various progression pathways offered to them after they complete their studies with us. Our programme includes; Careers week, CV and Interview workshops, UCAS and University Workshops, Progress Meetings and Career / Open Day events.
• Work Placement: Work placement is an integral part of the study programme at Sheffield United Community College, with students expected to complete a minimum of 30-hours work experience throughout their time at the college. At the start of the study programme, each student is given their own personal record portfolio. The purpose of this portfolio is for students to keep a log of the additional skills, experiences and qualifications that they build up throughout their study programme.
• Recognising Achievement: To motivate and inspire our students, we have clear guidelines and boundaries, as well as a defined policy that focuses upon positive behaviour. This encourages students to reach their goals and are rewarded for doing so. Students build up weekly points by excelling in the following areas: attendance, punctuality, engagement, meeting deadlines and outstanding contributions. At the end of each month, the top performing students will make it into the Colleges Squad of the Month (SoTM). Students are rewarded with access to our end-of-term trips and activities, Residential trips, European tours and SUFC match tickets. At the end of the academic year all students are invited to the College Awards Evening. This event is an opportunity to recognise and reward achievement, with trophies handed out to those who excel in education and/or enrichment.
• PLT4M (Fitness Application): PLT4M is a training, teaching and tracking platform which has been developed for sports Colleges with the aim to provide its students with training programmes, exercise plans and fitness training sessions which they can then complete in and around their studies. Students are given access to a free application which allows them to access a wide range of programmes which are populated and updated by college staff. Activity is monitored so that coaches can track engagement, set challenges and oversee progress. Coaches from the college will use this application to post fitness related sessions, challenges and programmes to students which they can then complete around lessons or during times away from college.
• College Residential Trip: During the early stages of joining the college, all new students are invited to attend a free residential trip. This trip will include a wide range of team building and skill development activities that help familiarise the new students with each other, as well as college staff. The students will then work together to complete a social action project, such as raising money for a local charity.
• European Tour: All second year students will get the opportunity to attend a European tour to our affiliated club partner Malaga CF, located in Spain. This trip involves a combination of sporting enrichment, leisure and cultural experience.
• Community Blades Podcast: SUCC Podcast channel which is hosted, edited and organised by Community College students. The podcast will provide weekly updates, college sports and esports roundups, as well as appearances by industry guests. This channel was developed to provide real-world work experience opportunities for our students, allowing them to gain transferable skills that can be used in media, journalism, marketing and more.
• CIMPSA Student Membership - As a student, you’ll receive free CIMSPA membership with access to exclusive resources, CPD courses, career support, events, and networking opportunities, while gaining nationally recognised professional status that strengthens your CV and employability in the sport and physical activity sector.

Student Support

Here at Sheffield United Community College, we pride ourselves on the wrap around care available to all of our students. Our aim is to develop students in all aspects of their lives and not just their academic ability. We want students to leave our college as better people, not just better students.

Every student at the college has access to pastoral support in the form of a Learning Mentor. Our Learning Mentors are friendly, approachable and experienced and are successful in their roles, inspiring and motivating students to become more independent, innovative and responsible learners and be more empowered in solving their own problems.

Working alongside the tutors, the mentors strive to maintain high levels of engagement, participation, attendance, punctuality and attainment. Students are regularly monitored to ensure that they are achieving their target grades, are maximising their learning time and developing their independent learning skills.

The Learning Mentors are also responsible for ensuring students’ welfare and liaising with tutors to support personal and academic development throughout their time at the college. Combined with termly one-to-one progress meetings, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning in order to ensure they achieve the grades that they deserve. Learning Mentors will work with students to address any potential barriers they may face and strive to build supportive relationships to tailor their support to individual students’ needs.

Progress meetings with students are scheduled termly sessions where educators and students come together to discuss the student’s academic progress, achievements, and areas for improvement. These meetings serve as an opportunity for students to receive feedback on their performance, set goals, and identify strategies for enhancing their learning experience. Through these meetings, the mentors can provide guidance, support, and resources tailored to the individual needs of each student.

Student Wellbeing and Support Services are resources and programmes offered by Sheffield United Community College to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our students. These services aim to help students navigate personal, financial, social, and academic challenges while providing students with a network of support. Examples of these services include; Welfare Reviews, Student Shout Service, Student Assistance Programme (SAP) and access to Kooth Mental Health support programmes.

In addition to the above, students will have full access to our partner college’s external student support services which also provide well-being and personal support and financial advice, including travel passes and learner support funds, which can help towards the cost of travel, college kit and materials needed for your course.

The NCFE Level 2 in Sport comprises seven units that are competed across the course of a single academic year. All units will be internally assessed through assignment set and marked by tutors. Upon completion of each internally assessed unit, the tutor will inform the student of the grade they have achieved (either Pass, Merit or Distinction). When all of the units of the course have been completed, the students will receive an overall grade for the qualification.

The course comprises both classroom and practical, sport-based learning and features various assessment methods that will prepare you for further academic study. Most units are assessed through assignments which are submitted via our interactive learning platforms in a variety of formats; these include written reports, posters, practical sports, demonstrations, group tasks, interviews, practical coaching, presentations, work experience, projects, performance observation and event management.

Unit delivered on this course Include:

• Developing Sporting Skills & Tactical Awareness
• Sports Coaching
• Participating in Sport
• Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise
• Introduction to Healthy Exercise and Nutrition
• Plan and Set Up an Enterprising Sports Business
• Planning and Running a Sports Event

English and Maths GCSE

English and maths are an essential part of your studies here at Sheffield United Community College and can sometimes be a real barrier for the future, if you do not gain a pass at GCSE level. Employers and universities really value these essential qualifications, so it is important we help you achieve them. Students who join the college with a grade 3 or below in either or both subjects, will be automatically enrolled onto our GCSE programme or Functional Skill programme. These subject lessons take place weekly (3-hours per subject) and will include resitting examinations during the summer term.

Open Entry - There are no specific pre-requisites qualifications required to begin your NCFE Level 2 course.

• An interest towards playing regular football or to work within the fitness industry
• An interest to study a sport / fitness related qualification
• An interest to undertake a career within the sports / fitness industry

Upon successful completion of the course you will have the opportunity to progress on to our BTEC Level 3 in Sports Coaching, Fitness and Development or BTEC Level 3 in Fitness, Personal Training and Leisure study programmes.

The college recognises the complexity of the education system as it opens up beyond secondary school. Therefore, to help provide correct guidance we want to ensure that all possible information is made available from the onset. While the final progression route of each student is unique and personal to them, the following diagram maps out the various progression pathways which students take both during and following completion of their studies with us;

Progression Pathway Map