Sports

Sports

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Turn your passion for sport into your future career

Love sport, fitness and physical activity? Whether you dream of becoming a sports coach, personal trainer, PE teacher, sports therapist or performance analyst, Macclesfield College can help you take the next step.

Our Sports & Physical Activity courses combine hands-on learning, industry knowledge and real-world experience to help you build the confidence, skills and qualifications needed for a successful future in sport. You’ll put your skills into practice through coaching activities, fitness training, employer-led projects, work experience and sporting competitions.

Why study Sports & Physical Activity at Macclesfield College?

Love sport, fitness and physical activity? Whether you dream of becoming a sports coach, personal trainer, PE teacher, sports therapist or performance analyst, Macclesfield College can help you take the next step.

Our Sports & Physical Activity courses combine hands-on learning, industry knowledge and real-world experience to help you build the confidence, skills and qualifications needed for a successful future in sport. You’ll put your skills into practice through coaching activities, fitness training, employer-led projects, work experience and sporting competitions.

COURSES AVAILABLE

Level 2 Diploma in Sport (Sport Coaching)
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Level 2 Diploma in Sport (Sport Coaching)

What will I study?

If you’re passionate about sport and want to explore a career in coaching, fitness or physical activity, this practical course introduces the knowledge and skills needed to understand sporting performance, improve fitness and help others develop their abilities. Learning is practical and interactive, combining sports activities, fitness training, coaching challenges and employer-led projects. You’ll develop communication, teamwork, leadership, organisation and problem-solving skills. Tutor feedback, practical observations and assignments will help you track progress. During your studies you will learn topics such as:
  • Participating in Sport: Explore different sports and develop practical performance.
  • Anatomy & Physiology for Exercise: Understand how the body works during activity.
  • Introduction to Healthy Exercise & Nutrition: Discover how exercise and nutrition support wellbeing.
  • Developing Personal Fitness Through Training: Learn how to improve fitness.
  • Strength & Conditioning Training: Explore methods for developing physical performance.
  • Sport Coaching: Plan and deliver coaching activities.
  • Developing Technical & Tactical Skills for Sport: Develop techniques, tactics and performance.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

After successfully completing the course, potential progression routes include:
  • Further Level 3 study in Sport
  • Sports Coaching
  • Fitness and Personal Training
  • Sports Development
  • Leisure and Recreation
  • Health and Wellbeing
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What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will typically need five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including a grade 3/2 combination in English and maths. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain NCFE Level 2 Diploma in Sport (Sport Coaching).

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.
A black outline icon of a basketball hoop and ball
Level 2 Diploma in Sport (Sport Coaching)
Level 3 Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity (Coaching & Sport Development)
A black outline icon of a basketball hoop and ball

Level 3 Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity (Coaching & Sport Development)

What will I study?

Develop your coaching skills. Understand performance. Prepare for a career in sport. Explore the science behind physical activity, learn to coach and support others and understand the many careers available in sport, fitness and wellbeing. You’ll combine practical activities, classroom sessions, coaching tasks, assignments and employer projects. Develop leadership, communication, teamwork, planning and decision-making, supported by regular tutor feedback and individual targets. During your studies you will learn about topics such as:
  • Exercise, Health & Lifestyle: Understand the benefits of physical activity.
  • Sports Nutrition: Explore nutrition for health and performance.
  • Instructing Physical Activity: Plan and lead sessions.
  • Sports Coaching: Motivate and develop athletes and participants.
  • Careers in Sport: Explore career opportunities.
  • Anatomy & Physiology: Understand the body’s response to exercise.
  • Performance Analysis: Observe, assess and improve sporting performance.
  • Technical & Tactical Skills: Understand techniques and strategies.
  • Work Experience: Apply learning in a real-world setting.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

After successfully completing the course, potential progression routes include:
  • Higher Education in Sport-related subjects
  • Sports Coaching and Development
  • Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning
  • Sports Therapy
  • PE Teaching
  • Performance Analysis
  • Health, Fitness and Leisure
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will typically need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including a grade 4/3 combination in English and maths. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain a NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity (Coaching & Sport Development) qualification.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years.
A black outline icon of a basketball hoop and ball
Level 3 Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity (Coaching & Sport Development)

ASPIRATIONAL CAREERS

Learn from the industry

At Macclesfield College, your learning goes beyond the classroom. Connections with Macclesfield FC, Macclesfield FC Community Trust, East Cheshire NHS Trust, Everybody Health & Leisure, Active Cheshire and PureGym Macclesfield create opportunities to experience the sports and physical activity sector first-hand. Depending on your course and available projects, you could coach in the community, organise sporting events, test fitness levels, analyse sporting performance or support local health and wellbeing initiatives.

Be part of the team

Sport is about teamwork, determination, leadership and achieving something together. You’ll have opportunities to represent the College through football, basketball, netball and rugby, with additional sporting festivals and activities throughout the year. Whether you’re competing, coaching, analysing performance or supporting your team, you’ll develop skills beyond the pitch or sports hall.

UPCOMING EVENTS

November Open Event
Saturday, 21st November 2026
10:30am - 12:30pm
January Open Event
Thursday, 21st January 2027
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Apprenticeship Open Event
Thursday, 11th March 2027
4:30pm - 6.30pm
June Open Event
Saturday, 12th June 2027
10:30am - 12.30pm

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