Foundation Degree Coaching and Development
The Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development has been specifically designed for learners at professional football club’s and their Trust’s education programmes.
Operating through the University of South Wales, the two-year course was written by the English Football League (EFL) Trust in order to develop the required skills and experiences to operate as a professional coach.
Alongside classroom-based learning, students will have the chance to gain coaching experience through Barnsley FC Community Trust’s various initiatives at Oakwell and across the borough of Barnsley. This course has been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Award 2018 in the ‘Outstanding Digital Innovation of the Year’ category.
Course overview
You’ll learn about children and youth coaching, football coaching, football development, social inclusion, and sports management skills.
You will be based predominantly within Oakwell Stadium, with a minimum of five days a year at the USW Sport Park, experiencing the £15m state-of-the-art coaching and performance development centre with full size indoor 3g pitch, equipped with the latest GPS, Video and Audio technology to support your coach education development.
Entry requirements
- A-Level Offer - D, D to include a relevant subject but exclude General Studies
- BTEC Offer - BTEC Diploma, Merit, Merit in a relevant subject
- Level 1 in football coaching or equivalent foundation level football coaching qualification from a football national governing body (NGB)
- Successful interview
- Strong interest in sport
Topics covered
Year 1
- Football Coaching Young Performers
- Strength and Conditioning: Principles and Applications
- Academic Research and Professional Skills
- Introduction to Sports Development
- Managing and Developing Football in the Community
Year 2
- Football Coaching Adolescent Performers
- Sport Placement: Football
- Football in Society
- Physical Education and School Sport (Optional)
- Performance Analysis (Optional)
FEES
AUGUST 2025 - JULY 2026
Full-time UK - £9535
Full-time International: £16,200
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
