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!
Our network of employer partnerships means, whichever programme you choose, you will get practical experience in the sports, coaching and fitness sectors throughout your time at college. You’ll also benefit from the support and experience of our expert staff.
There are three pathways to choose from:
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.
We work closely with sports providers in our local areas to allow you to develop your skills and learn how to exceed customer expectations. We’ll help you discover the right role for you in this exciting industry.
Popular roles in this sector include sports coaches, instructors, and officials, with one in ten graduates employed as secondary education teaching professionals.
Jacob, Sport Level 3Read my storyBeing able to play football alongside studying has been the best thing. You make some great friendships through the sport, everyone’s so friendly and it’s a great environment to be in.