Football Academy (in partnership with Wolves Foundation) – Sport Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
Course level: 3
Course code: CP0244
07/09/2026
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
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
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.
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