Foundation Degree / Bsc (Hons) Community Football Coaching, Development and Administration

Delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales (USW), the Community Football Coaching and Development degree course provides learners an opportunity to gain an industry-recognised degree while being affiliated to a professional football club. This award-winning community football coaching course, designed in conjunction with the English Football League Trust, develops the skills and qualities that are required to work within professional football clubs community departments or national governing bodies in areas of growth such as social inclusion, community coaching and football development. A core focus of the Foundation degree is to provide practical work-experience opportunities to the students, allowing them to develop the necessary skills needed for direct employment within the industry.

Starting every September, the initial qualifications is delivered as a two-year Foundation Degree with the opportunity to top up to convert this to a full BSc (Hons) in Football Coaching, Development and Administration in your third year.

The flexible design of this degree allows learners to study alongside existing work commitments. Likewise, there is an opportunity to obtain part-time paid coaching work throughout the duration of their study, leading to potential full-time work upon completion of the course.

Higher Education at Sheffield United Community College

• Mentoring: A member of staff from the club will be assigned to you as a mentor, supporting you with learning materials and organising your placements.
• Extensive placement opportunities: You’ll gain practical experience of working within the sports coaching, fitness, teaching and development industry.
• Studying in the workplace: You will undertake your studies at Bramall Lane. Your lectures will be produced by USW staff, but these will be delivered by qualified tutors at the college.
• Coach Education: As part of the degree you will undertake weekly coach development workshops, as well as get the opportunity to complete your FA Level 1, UEFA C and UEFA B Coaching qualifications
• Paid work: there is an opportunity to obtain part-time paid coaching, or club work throughout the duration of their study, leading to potential full-time work upon completion of the course.
• Value-Added Opportunities: Additional Qualifications, College Trips, Malaga CF tour, Coach Education, Industry Speakers, career events, College Rewards, and Awards Evening.
• Student Finance Support: Financial assistance available to help manage your education costs.

The Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development provides the opportunity to gain an industry-recognised qualification, whilst studying at a Community Club Organisation and completing a comprehensive portfolio of work-based learning. This award-winning community football coaching course, designed in conjunction with the English Football League Trust, develops the skills and qualities that are required to work within professional football clubs community departments or national governing bodies in areas of growth such as social inclusion, community coaching and football development. A core focus of the Foundation degree is to provide practical work-experience opportunities to the students, allowing them to develop the necessary skills needed for direct employment within the industry. The flexible design of this degree allows you to study alongside existing work commitments. Likewise, there is an opportunity to obtain part-time paid coaching work throughout the duration of your study, leading to potential full-time work upon completion of the course. The course is designed to combine academic studies (10 hours per week) alongside a structured work placement programme (7 - 12 hours per week), which runs the full duration of the degree. The purpose of which is to enable learners to apply theoretical knowledge within a real-world setting.

The degree will primarily be based at Sheffield United Community College utilising our excellent range of venues and facilities including; Bramall Lane, Westfield SGP and Handsworth FC. Lectures, seminars and workshops will be delivered within the football club setting and delivering topics including; sports science, physical education and school sport, strategic sports development and sports coaching. As part of the course students are required to completed 200 hours of coaching (work-based learning) that is managed through weekly tutorials and a comprehensive mentoring programme. The work-based learning programme will be completed throughout the club’s many community settings and projects, including in areas such as social inclusion, school and grassroots club development, schools PE, fitness sessions, football development and academy coaching. During your study students will have numerous opportunities to undertake additional vocational awards and workshop designed to help facilitate their personal and professional development. This includes FA Level 1, UEFA C and B, Level 3 Football Coaching, Certificate in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education as well as other coaching and fitness-based qualifications, most which are fully funded as part of the course. 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, coach education sessions, residential trips, European tours, progress meetings. work placement, employability and progress events, as well as numerous trips and rewards.

University of South Wales (USW)

Learners will be enrolled as a student at the University of South Wales and have access to a number of learning materials. Students will have access to an online library, Blackboard and other learning materials, as well as University course tutors and support staff, in order to provide assistance with their academic, personal and professional development. As part of the course, students are required be required to attend two 3-day residential blocks each academic year. Residential takes place at the University of South Wales Sports Park Campus, whereby students will undertake practical assessments, introductory workshops, one-to-one support tutorials and groups activities. Students receive accommodation, breakfast and lunch fully funded during these residential blocks.

Each student will receive support not only from academic module leaders but also through one-on-one sessions with Personal Academic Coaches throughout the year. These sessions are designed to enhance your learning experience and provide tailored guidance. You will meet twice a year with your assigned PAC, who will offer personalised support to help you achieve your academic goals and meet your expectations. Our lecturers have extensive experience in the football coaching, sport coaching, sport development and sport management industry, with some having played and coached at a professional or elite level. Our lecturers have experience of coordinating and managing sport in both local authorities, sports clubs and national governing bodies of sport, and are able to bring this real-life knowledge and experience into the classroom to bring topics to life. Many of our staff are still active in the industry either coaching or representing sports organisations on boards and strategic groups.

Learning and teaching methods include lectures, interactive workshops, practical sessions, work-based learning, tutorials and online delivery methods. This range of teaching and learning approaches ensures that you gain a wide variety of skills. Assessment will be completed via a range of methods including practical field assessment, multiply choice exams, written assignments, projects, and presentations. Students will be graded for each summative assessment they complete. Each grade received will contribute to an ongoing portfolio of results. The accumulation of results will produce a final grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction, depending on where mark falls within the respected grade boundaries.

Module Overview:

The Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development allows students to study all sub-disciplines of coaching and gain valuable industry recognised qualifications. The course will teach you aspects of generic children and youth coaching, football coaching, football development, social inclusion, and sports management skills. There will be further opportunity to apply your knowledge with an extensive work based learning programme provided by the club, working within specific roles and real life football projects. Below is a breakdown of the course:

Year one

You will gain comprehensive knowledge of how community football and development is organised, delivered and managed, and you will have the opportunity to lead activities and football events. You will examine fundamental principles of coaching as you seek to enhance your practical delivery skills. You will be offered the opportunity to gain nationally recognised coaching awards and to enhance your practical delivery skills.

• Football Coaching; Theory to Practice (20 credits)
• Academic Research & Professional Skills (20 credits)
• Introduction to Sports Development (20 credits)
• Sport Science (20 credits)
• Sport Event Management (20 credits)
• Technical Planning and Reflection (20 credits)

Year Two

You will develop the skills and knowledge gained in year one around understanding community football coaching and leadership principles and approaches to developing and managing sport across a range of target groups. You will enhance your breadth of knowledge by completing a school and/or community placement which will enable you to put your ideas and knowledge into practice.

• Football Coaching Technical and Tactical Performers (20 credits)
• Work Based Learning (40 credits)
• Football in Society (20 credits)
• Project Operations Management (20 credits)
• Physical Education & School Sport (20 credits)

Year Three

Focusing on both the sport and business-related knowledge needed to develop professionals for the sports industry, you will consolidate your learning and start to specialise your work-based learning experience in line with your career ambitions.

• Applied Professional Project (40 credits)
• Community Football Coaching (20 credits)
• Strategic Sports Development (20 credits)
• Critical Issues in Sports Coaching (20 credits)
• Leadership in Sport (20 credits)

• Three GCSEs including Maths and English at grade 4 or above
• DD at A-Level or Merit Merit in a vocational course (BTEC/Cambridge National/NCFE)
• FA Level 1 and basic coaching experience is desirable

Individual discretion can be applied for those who have worked within industry, but do not meet the requirements above

Graduates of the Foundation Degree Community Football Coaching and Development can pursue careers as a performance coach; sports or football development officer; multi-skills sports coach; school sport coordinator; talent coach; club coach; participation coach; primary school teacher; college lecturer; primary school teacher; coaches, workforce and coach education coordinators; sports management and administration positions; self-employed business managers.

Upon completion of the Foundation Degree will there is an opportunity for students to complete a one year top-up degree in order to obtain a full Bachelors degree certification.

• BSc (Hons) Football Coaching, Development and Administration (Top Up)