Course Overview

Entry requirements

This study programme requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English and Maths.
Minimum average point score: 3.50, Grade 4 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE

Course information

The Level 3 Certificate in Sports Coaching and Performance equips aspiring and practicing coaches with the skills to design, deliver, and evaluate high-impact athletic programmes.

This qualification develops your expertise in technical and tactical development, sports nutrition, and lifestyle support for competitive environments. Ideal for sports science students, personal trainers, and aspiring coaches, it provides the recognised credentials and confidence needed to lead athletes to peak performance.

Key topics

Programme design and delivery: Plan, implement, and critically evaluate comprehensive coaching sessions tailored for competitive performance environments.
Technical and tactical analysis: Breakdown and apply advanced tactical strategies and technical skills to maximise athlete potential.
Sports nutrition: Apply core nutritional principles to enhance athletic endurance, recovery, and overall performance.
Lifestyle and athlete support: Guide athletes through healthy lifestyle adaptations, mental readiness, and habit formation to support long-term development.
Safety and standards: Execute safe coaching practices in full alignment with national professional standards.

- We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
- Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
- Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
- Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
- One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
- Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
- Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
- Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
- A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed
If you’re aiming for a future in sport, fitness, coaching or the gym industry, New City College is the place to start. From classrooms to courts, you’ll get the skills, experience and support to go far.

At NCC, our sport pathways focus on three pillars:
- The Career - work placements and industry-recognised qualifications for jobs in coaching, sports science, personal training and more.
- The Education - the knowledge and theory you need to succeed in sport.
- The Player - top-level coaching, professional training and competitive opportunities to develop your athletic potential.
You’ll also benefit from exclusive partnerships with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur FC and the London Lions, giving you access to elite coaching and facilities.

And it’s more than just a qualification, with international trips, tournaments and competitions, you’ll create unforgettable memories. Our students recently toured Brazil, training, competing and exploring iconic landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain, the Maracanã Stadium and the Olympic Park.