Foundation Degree / BSC (Hons) Community Football Coaching Development & Administration
Delivered In partnership with the University of South Wales, Sheffield United Community College are your local provider of the Community Football Coaching and Development degree which enables learners to gain their university qualifications in a professional football club environment.
Starting every September, we provide an initial 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.
Course Background
The Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development provides an opportunity for students to gain an industry-recognised coaching award while being affiliated to your local 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.
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.
Sheffield United Community College
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 both the UEFA C and B, Level 3 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.
“My role as the club’s degree mentor is to connect the University with the football club in order to create a coherent experience for the students. The small classes sizes add to the personal and bespoke quality of the course, I am able to offer around the clock support, enabling my students to achieve the grades they deserve. Likewise, being connected to a professional football club helps connect our students with a vast variety of work experience opportunities which really help their CV’s to stand out.”
Liam Tongue (Sheffield United Community College Club Mentor)
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.
Entry Requirements
- Three GCSEs including Maths and English at level 4/C or above
- DD at A-Level or Merit Merit in a vocational course (BTEC/Cambridge National/NCFE)
- FA Level 1 and basic coaching experience desirable
Find Out More
For more information about our Football Development course, please contact Joe at
joe.lancashire@sufc-community.co.uk