In England, the sports, recreation, health, fitness and outdoor pursuits sectors employ about 375,000 people. An ability to communicate well with people and a helpful attitude are important in most of these jobs. Organisational and teamwork skills are often required and sometimes good business skills. A professional sportsperson needs to have an exceptionally high level of skill and can be totally dedicated to their sport.

Reading College full-time sports courses are vocational courses designed for those interested in pursuing a career in sports coaching or sports science. They are aimed at students who have just completed their GCSEs and are looking to gain formal qualifications in sport. You will gain a BTEC qualification in Sport at Level 2 or Level 3, depending on your qualifications on entry.

In addition, you can gain related qualifications such as FA Level 1 (Football) Coaching Certificate and an EBBA Basketball Level 1 Coaching qualification.

Reading College Basketball Academy

For elite basketball players we also have the Reading College Basketball Academy (in partnership with Reading Rockets). Students receive individual, small group and team training sessions and are also able to complete their coaching certificates, continuing their education and their basketball careers at the same time.

Full-time courses:

• Sport Level 1 Foundation Pathway
• Sport  BTEC Level 2 Diploma
• Sport Performance and Excellence  BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary/Extended Diploma
• Sport & Exercise Science BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary/Extended Diploma

Visit our course search page for further information.
 
Case study

Amy Kingston
Sport & Exercise Science BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary/Extended Diploma

What this course?

I have a real love for sport, especially basketball, and I wanted to study somewhere that offered plenty of extra-curricular sport activities. I quickly joined the Basketball Academy at the college and loved it. My teachers put me forward for Wales’ Women’s Basketball team – something I wouldn’t have been able to do on my own – and I was accepted onto the team! The teachers are really supportive and push me to achieve things I didn’t think I was capable of.

What next?

I enjoy learning about how the body reacts and copes during physical exertion so I hope to study sports massage at university after I finish this course.