FOOTBALL ACADEMY Level 3 Sport Science

Level 3
Further Education
Lurgan Campus
Pearson

Overview

Subject to Approval

The Football Academy Level 3 Sport Science programme is designed to provide aspiring football professionals with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the field of sports science. This course offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to combine their passion for football with scientific principles, enhancing their understanding of performance optimisation, injury prevention, and player development.

This two-year programme is equivalent to three A-Levels and open to both males and females who wish to pursue a career in football. The SRC Football Academy provides a unique opportunity to gain recognised qualifications, whilst gaining access to top class coaching and training facilities.

This programme of study will include coaching and officiating qualifications through our partner the Irish Football Association Foundation to enhance employability.

Throughout this course, students will explore various aspects of sports science, tailored specifically to the context of football. They will delve into topics such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, and performance analysis. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the scientific foundations that underpin athletic performance and learn how to apply these principles to enhance football players' physical and mental capabilities.

The Football Academy is open to applicants who would like to improve their skills and understanding of the sport. By reaching the highest standard of competition they can move into employment or the next level of academic study.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July 2024 and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.
Applicants must have achieved the following:
- 15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.
- A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
  A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
- Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.
Entry to this course is through achievement of the relevant qualifications outlined above but also successful performance in football trials. The trials take place between March and July and attendance is mandatory to gain a place on this course.
Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Areas of study may include:

Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
Health, Wellbeing and Sport
Developing Coaching Skills
Applied Coaching Skills
Research Project in Sport
Sport Development
Self-Employment in Sport and Physical Activity

Assessment in this course is based on a combination of written assignments, practical assessments and class exams. Participants will complete written assignments that demonstrate their understanding of sports science principles and their ability to apply them to football-specific scenarios. They may also be involved in practical assessments where they showcase their skills in fitness testing, designing training programmes, or conducting performance analysis.

There is an annual fee of £250 due each year, which represents a contribution towards the costs of training kit, competitions, IFA coaching courses and the comprehensive technical coaching, strength and conditioning sessions and sports science support programme.

On successful completion of the The Football Academy Level 3 Sport Science, students can progress to higher level study such as Foundation Degrees or Honours Degrees in Sports and Exercise related subjects.

Upon successful completion of the Football Academy Level 3 Sport Science programme, participants will have acquired advanced knowledge and practical skills in sports science as it relates to football. Graduates may find employment opportunities within professional football clubs, academies, sports performance centres, or sports science research institutions. They may work as sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, performance analysts, or sports nutritionists specialising in football. They may also wish to secures jobs in broader sports based roles such as PE teaching, fitness instructor, sports development roles or leisure management.