Course Overview

Combine your passion for football with academic achievement through Redditch United's Football & Academic Education Programme in partnership with HoW College. Designed for aspiring athletes, this course offers the perfect balance of elite training and college-level qualifications.

Our Extended Diploma in Sport Level 3, prepares you for a future in one of the UK’s most successful industries. Our courses offer excellent progression to universities and promote strong links with local employers. Our courses are delivered by lecturers with years of elite industry experience in modern specialist sport environments. The main aim of our course is to develop your understanding and knowledge of the roles, responsibilities, skills and techniques involved in sports coaching and development. You will learn the importance of good nutrition and fitness testing, and take part in a wide variety of team and individual sporting activities that will allow you to demonstrate your practical skills. Your coaching skills will be enhanced through a well-developed external work placement programme where your 30 hours' of work experience or voluntary work will be evidenced.

Our Sport students will be using the state-of-the-art facilities for their lessons, enjoying a modern, bespoke learning environment. Furthermore, our students will have the opportunity to undertake work placements within Freedom Leisure, giving them the best chance to develop their skills and become ready for employment in the sports and leisure industry.

For students at the Redditch campus, they will use our own, onsite sports hall and fitness suite as part of the studies. These facilities include modern, industry standard equipment which are used in sport and fitness lessons, by our qualified and experienced teaching staff.

Please note that this course is predominantly aimed at 16 to 19 year olds.


Combine your passion for football with academic achievement through our unique Football & Education Programme in partnership with HoW College. Designed for aspiring athletes, this course offers the perfect balance of elite training and college-level qualifications at HoW College.

What We Offer:
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport – Equivalent to 3 A-Levels, paving the way to university and careers in sport.
- Professional Football Experience – Train and compete on our 3G pitch, represent Redditch United in top competitions, and access pathways to our First Team.
- Career-Ready Skills – Gain FA Coaching and Refereeing qualifications, plus hands-on work experience within the club.
- Exclusive Opportunities – Benefit from links to professional and semi-professional clubs, UEFA A licensed coaching, and competitive fixtures.

Join a programme that champions both sporting excellence and personal development and get all the benefits from being a HoW College student.
For more details on how to apply contact: academy@redditchunited.co.uk

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs (A*-C) or (Grade 4/5 and above) including English and Maths. Alternatively, you will be considered if you have achieved a relevant Level 2 qualification, such as a Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport along with GCSE grade 9 - 4 (A*-C) in English.

Entry is subject to a satisfactory reference and interview.

Entry decisions will be discretionary at interview. Students will continually be assessed through probation period to ensure they are on the correct level.

Course Modules

- Sports Coaching
- Sports Development
- Sport as a Business
- Instructing Physical Activity
- Practical Individual Sports
- Practical Team Sports

How will I be assessed?

Assignments, practicals, exams, group and individual work.

What can I do next

After your course, you may consider moving onto our own higher education courses which will continue to develop your skills, qualities and knowledge at degree level.

You could also choose to progress to university for a Degree in Sports Coaching, Sports Studies or PE Teacher.

You will also be open to a range of careers including (but not limited to):
- Sports Coach
- Personal Trainer
- PE Teacher
- Sports and Leisure Centre Manager
- Sports Performance Analysis
- Sports Sponsorship Co-ordinator
- Sports Marketing Officer
- Sports Stadium Manager