Join our BTEC Programme

Play Football and Study BTEC

Pompey in the Community’s BTEC Sport programme is a two-year course offering a football-focused alternative experience to college.

Designed for aspiring footballers, male and female, aged 16-18, the course enables you to continue your academic studies while training and competing in a professional football environment. You will develop your practical football abilities preparing you to play at the highest possible level.

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Courses we offer:

BTEC Foundation in Sport (1 Year Programme)

Equivalent of 1.5 A Levels 

The BTEC Foundation in Sport is designed to provide students with a strong introduction to the sport and active leisure industry. Throughout the year, students will explore a range of exciting topics including careers within the sports industry, health and wellbeing, coaching skills, sport development, self-employment opportunities, and the rules and regulations that underpin sport. This programme helps students develop practical, academic, and employability skills while preparing them for further study or employment within the sports sector.
Units Covered:
  • Unit A: Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
  • Unit B: Health, Wellbeing and Sport
  • Unit C1: Developing Coaching Skills
  • Unit 1: Sport Development
  • Unit 2: Self-Employment in Sport and Physical Activity
  • Unit 11: Rules, Regulations and Officiating in Sport
BTEC Diploma in Sport (2 Year Programme)

Equivalent of 2 A Levels 

The BTEC Diploma in Sport offers students an enhanced learning experience, combining industry knowledge with practical coaching and sport development opportunities. Alongside exploring career pathways, health and wellbeing, and sport development, students will further develop their coaching abilities through applied coaching practice. This programme is ideal for students looking to progress into employment, apprenticeships, or higher-level study within the sport and physical activity sector.
Units Covered:
  • Unit A: Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
  • Unit B: Health, Wellbeing and Sport
  • Unit C1: Developing Coaching Skills
  • Unit 1: Sport Development
  • Unit 2: Self-Employment in Sport and Physical Activity
  • Unit 11: Rules, Regulations and Officiating in Sport
  • Unit D1: Applied Coaching Skills
BTEC National Extended Diploma Level 3 in Sports Coaching & Development (2 Year Programme)

Equivalent of 3 A Levels 

The BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching & Development is a comprehensive two-year programme equivalent to up to three A Levels. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the sports industry while developing advanced coaching, leadership, sport development, event management, nutrition, psychology, and research skills. The programme combines classroom learning with practical experiences, preparing learners for university, apprenticeships, or careers within sport, coaching, education, health, and physical activity.

Year 1 Units
  • Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
  • Developing Coaching Skills
  • Sport Development
  • Organising Events in Sport and Physical Activities
  • Technical and Tactical Skills in Sport
  • Nutrition for Physical Performance
Year 2 Units
  • Applied Coaching Skills
  • Health, Wellbeing and Sport
  • Research Project in Sport (Pearson Set Assignment)
  • Self-Employment in Sport and Physical Activity
  • Sports Psychology
  • Fitness Testing

International Tour

You will have the opportunity to travel on our international football tour to Memphis and further national enrichment and academic trips. You will engage in weekly training sessions, match analysis and conditioning sessions. You will also compete in competitive fixtures against other professional clubs in either the National Football Youth League or EFL Community and Education Football Alliance League.

National and international trips are an integral part, with Pompey providing the chance to visit would famous stadia and high profile organisations. Students train and play abroad each year.Recent tours have been in the Netherlands and USA. The tours are optional but provide an excellent opportunity for the students to learn, and engage in different leagues and different training regimes.

The team have connections with local and international scouts including presentations from organisations offering scholarships in the USA.

Course Details

Location: Pompey in the Community Study Centre and the John Jenkins Stadium

Entry Requirements: A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths and English. All applicants will need to undergo a football trial

How is the course assessed? You will be required to complete a range of assessment methods including and not limited to written assignments, verbal presentations and practical demonstrations. You will be taught in a supportive and inclusive environment. All coaches are FA and UEFA qualified and hold enhanced DBS, emergency first aid and safeguarding certificates.
You will also have the opportunity to gain vital work experience with Pompey in the Community.

Fees and Financial Support: Tuition is free for 16-18 year olds but trips and kit are not included in this. Financial support may be available. Please contact us for details: [email protected]

Please note: All students are required to purchase a full training kit for approximately £200. Financial support may be available.

What Next?

After successfully completing both years, students can continue to study both at home and on an international basis, with many students applying for scholarships in North America and Oceania.

Students who have progressed to university have gone on to have successful careers in sport science, physiotherapy, sports therapy, sports coaching, sports psychology and performance analysis.