Football Academy (in partnership with Wolves Foundation) - Sport Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

Open Events

If you would still like to enrol on a full time course that started in September 2025, please contact our admissions team directly – admissions@wolvcoll.ac.uk

Football Academy (in partnership with Wolves Foundation) – Sport Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

Attendance: Full Time

Course level: 3

Location: Wellington Road Campus

Course code: CP0244

Start dates:

07/09/2026

Age:

Apply Now

Download PDF

Is this course right for me?

Kick off a great career in the sports industry with our Football Academy Diploma.

If you want to combine your love of football with an industry-recognised sports qualification, then this is the course for you!

You will study for the Level 3 Diploma in Sport, as well as FA Playmaker and Introduction to Football Coaching, and will become part of the college’s football team representing the organisation and Wolverhampton Wanderers in academy leagues and national tournaments.

You will get the chance to work with UEFA licensed coaches from Wolverhampton Wanderers at the club’s training ground in Compton, will have access to the college’s on-site sport science suite and gym at the Wellington Road campus and the opportunity for your playing skills to be noticed by scouts within the academy leagues.

Throughout the course you will develop your understanding of coaching, fitness and sports development, learn about the effects of sport, exercise and fitness on the body, and develop team work, communication and problem-solving skills – all of which will prepare you for your future career in the industry.

As a member of the Academy you will be expected to follow the ‘WOLVES Way’* code of conduct and purchase the Wolverhampton Wanderers college-approved training kit which costs approximately £100 – you will be provided with further details on acceptance to the course.

You will also complete 30 hours of work experience and attend lessons to improve your English and maths (or use the time for directed study if you already have Grade 4 or above).

The foundation diploma is the first year of the two-year extended diploma – successful competion of the first year will enable you to progress to the second year extended diploma

Book your place on the trials – Football Trials

*Work hard, Organised, Leadership, Values, Education, Success

Apply Now

Course details

Entry Requirements:

To access this course you are required to have:

Five or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and maths, and ideally PE and science OR
Level 2 Diploma at Merit (equivalent)
An interview with a member of the college’s admissions team

What will I learn?

During this course you will study the following modules:

Anatomy and physiology
Fitness training and programming for health, sport and wellbeing
Professional development in the sports industry
Sports leadership
Application of fitness testing
Sports psychology
Practical sports performance

What skills will I gain?

By studying this course you will:

Develop your understanding on key anatomical structure & function
Learn how to develop training programmes for specific groups
Develop your confidence in dealing with work related issues
Understand how to apply your skills to areas of the industry
Improve your knowledge and understanding within key training principles
Gain valuable team working and communication skills by taking part in events such as the college Olympics

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the course you will be assessed in the following ways:

Individual and group presentations
Case studies
Role play
Question and answer sessions,
Production of display materials and advertising
Time constrained assessments
Work-based assignments
Practical assessments
Production of a portfolio of evidence

What can I do next?

The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to:

Progress to the Sport Level 3 Extended Diploma
Start your career as a football coach or referee
Pursue a career as a professional footballer
Train to become a sports scientist, physiotherapist, sports coach, sports development officer, sports psychologist, PE teacher or leisure manager

Football Academy (in partnership with Wolves Foundation) – Sport Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

Course code: CP0244

Full Time

Wellington Road Campus

Apply Now

Future careers

Undecided on your future?

Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.