Sport
The sport industry in the UK is growing fast and provides a diverse range of careers in the exciting world of coaching, fitness and sport.
Whatever your interests and career aspirations, we have the right course for you. You could even develop your football skills and game understanding alongside a study programme related to working within a coaching environment!
There are endless possibilities, not simply for elite athletes – and the coaches they depend on! The community needs personal trainers and coaches too, whilst continuing your studies at university could lead you into sports development, nutrition, psychology, physiotherapy or teaching. You might also consider a role in marketing, journalism or social media.
We work closely with sports providers in our local areas. Our network of employer partnerships means, whichever course you choose, you will get practical experience in the sports, coaching and fitness sectors throughout your time at college. In addition, there will be employer visits and talks, trips, and valuable work experience that will allow you to put your skills into practice.
Every student benefits from highly trained staff, including a Coach Mentor. You will also have access to the gym to help you keep fit and advance your studies.
There are three options to choose from:
- Coaching
- Fitness
- Sport
Why not combine your passion for sport with a full-time education course? We offer pathway programmes in partnership with Surrey 89rs Basketball Academy and Aldershot Town Football Club.
Sport options
Our coaching programmes provide the opportunity to take a course related to your career interests and understand the coaching industry whilst developing your football skills and performance. They are delivered by UEFA ‘A’ licenced football coaches, with links to various external clubs and companies, ensuring valuable coaching and teaching experience.
You’ll also be able to gain paid work experience at the Merrist Wood Football Coaching School, and Football Scholarships to America and Universities in the UK are also promoted and supported.
The Merrist Wood Football Development Centre is open to everyone, offering a full-time education and football programme. It provides like-minded, talented footballers with the opportunity to continue their development within the game and excellent opportunities to progress into local Senior Football Clubs whilst continuing their studies within the Sport Industry.
Please register your place at one of our trials
A fitness career could see you impact the lives of people of all ages and walks of life. You will learn how to be an approachable and effective motivator; encouraging people to reach their fitness goals, creating personalised exercise programmes, giving advice on healthy living, and carrying out fitness assessments.
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport is a two-year programme. If you choose this pathway, you will combine the study of anatomy, physiology and psychology with biometrics, exercise, health and lifestyle. In addition, you will develop skills in fitness testing and training, sports performance and coaching, leadership and professional development.
The sport and physical activity industries contribute £39 billion to the UK’s economy. Much of this comes from grassroots sport: the millions of people who buy trainers, bikes, gym memberships, get physiotherapy, or pay match fees.
Popular roles in this sector include sports coaches, instructors, and officials, with one in ten graduates employed as secondary education teaching professionals.
Industry partnerships
