Sports coaching courses

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Want to become a sports coach?

The role of the coach has become increasingly important in today’s sport. The quality of sports development programmes and the enjoyment, safety and performance of participants are directly linked to the quality of the coach. We are therefore committed to raising the standard of sports coaching, together with acknowledging and supporting the role of the sports coach in Bristol.

If you are interested in becoming a sports coach and would like to get a coaching qualification please read the information below on coaching courses available through Bristol City Council.

Coaching courses

Young Leader Award (9-13 years)

The Young Leader Award is a programme of leadership training for young people between the ages of 9 and 13 that promotes them working with younger children, teaching leadership skills through a range of games and activities.

The award teaches topics through a practical, activity based, holistic approach. In this way, the Young Leaders ‘learn by doing’ and, by the end of the course, will not only have the confidence and ability to lead others but will also have knowledge and experience of an extensive range of games and activities.

Course length: 6-10 hours
Download: more information (pdf, 158 KB) (opens new window)

Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership (13+ years)

The Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership is a nationally recognised qualification that enables successful candidates to lead small groups in simple sport and recreational activity whilst under direct supervision of their tutor.

The qualification teaches generic leadership skills such as organisation, planning, communication and teamwork through the medium of sport. It's a fun and practical qualification with no entrance requirements or final examinations to sit.

After completion of Level 1 candidates can continue on to the Level 2 Award providing they are over 16 years

Course length: 33 hours plus 1 hour demonstration of leadership
Download: more information (pdf, 158 KB) (opens new window)

Certificate in Sports Leadership (16+)

Also known locally as "Introduction to Sports Coaching", The Day Leader Course is a great introduction to sports coaching and a good way for candidates to decide whether sports coaching is suitable for them. The course introduces adults to sports leadership and provides the confidence for adults to embark onto other sports courses such as the Level 2 Award below. The course helps to develop leadership skills such as communication, organisation and raising of self esteem.

Course length: 10-12 hours
Download: more information (pdf, 158 KB) (opens new window)

Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership (16+)

The Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership is a nationally recognised qualification that enables successful candidates to independently lead small groups of people in sport and recreational activities. The qualification teaches generic leadership skills such as communication, planning and teamwork through the medium of sport. It's a fun and practical qualification with no entrance requirements or final examinations to sit.

Course length: 42 hours + 10 hours volunteering within Bristol City Council
Download: more information (pdf, 158 KB) (opens new window)

These courses are all created by Sports Leaders UK and delivered by Bristol City Council.

Sport specific coaching courses

National Governing Bodies of Sport offer their own particular courses to help you become a sports coach. If you are interested in a specific sport click on the link below to download National Governing Body contact details of that sport to find out their coaching award structure.

Download: Governing Body contact information (pdf, 158 KB) (opens new window)

Coaching courses running in Bristol

For further information on courses in Bristol please email sport@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 922 2696.

Download: Introduction to Sports Coaching (pdf, 0.8 MB) (opens new window) - Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Download: Introduction to Sports Coaching (pdf, 0.8 MB) (opens new window) - 7,9,16 July 2013

Wesport organise a range of coaching courses throughout the year. Please visit the Wesport website to see what courses are on offer.

A variety of courses and workshops are run by Sports Coach UK such as "How to Coach Sport Safely" and "Disability Awareness" which are useful courses to attend. Visit the website for more information.

Already have a level 2 sports qualification?

If you already have a Level 2 qualification or equivalent and have experience of coaching you may wish to register on the Bristol City Council sports register as a casual coach. This is a register for Sport Services to use for ad hoc coaching sessions and help delivering programmes as and when required.

Please note: not all coaches that express interest are accepted on to the register as managers will only recruit coaches if they are able to offer them work.

For more information email sport@bristol.gov.uk stating your qualifications and experience.

All coaches are subject to a full CRB check.

Coachwest

Wesport maintain a coach database which coaches can register on, creating a profile and detailing their skills, experience and availability. Employers can then search this database for potential coaches. This is a brilliant tool and highly recommended for all coaches.

Please visit the Coachwest website for more information and to register.

Contact us

For information on any of the courses on offer, volunteering or advice please contact us. If you email, please use the heading "Sport Coaching" and our sport development officer will get back to you.

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Useful websites

Information on courses and information linked to sports coaching and leadership.

JUICE
The Joint University Initiative for Coach Education (JUICE) has been set up to offer the best opportunity possible to develop sport skills. JUICE courses include sport specific courses as well as generic coach development courses.

Sports Coach UK
Sports Coach UK is dedicated to guiding the development and implementation of a coaching system, recognised as a world leader, for all coaches at every level in the UK.

Sports Leaders UK
Inspiring people and communities through leadership qualifications in sport. Sports Leaders UK is the new operating name of the British Sports Trust.

Wesport
Wesport is the West of England Sport Trust which is a network of organisations across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset working collectively to increase, promote, support and celebrate lifelong participation in sport.