Whether you’re coaching young athletes, leading sport in schools, creating community programmes or encouraging active lifestyles, our Sports Coaching & Community apprenticeships are designed to help you make a difference.
These programmes aren’t just about qualifications, they’re about helping you become a leader, a mentor, and a catalyst for change in your community.
Community Activator Coach – Level 2
Bring energy, movement and opportunity to your local community.
This is an ideal entry point if you want to make sport and physical activity fun, inclusive and accessible. As a Community Activator Coach, you’ll plan and deliver engaging sessions that support physical, mental and social wellbeing in youth centres, schools, parks and beyond.
You’ll gain a strong understanding of how movement transforms lives, develop communication and leadership skills, and learn how to tailor activities to suit different ages and abilities. You’ll also learn to gather feedback, use digital tools for evaluation, and collaborate with local organisations to increase impact.
No previous qualifications needed. Open to all ages.
Funding: Government funded
Duration: 12 months
Assessment: Observation, session plan, presentation and interview
Incentives: £1,000 employer incentive for apprentices aged 16–18 or with an EHCP
Sports Coach – Level 4
Lead with purpose and drive performance at a higher level.
Already coaching in a school, club or performance setting? This advanced programme takes your leadership, strategy and technical knowledge to the next level.
You’ll learn how to build a coaching philosophy, lead others, design development programmes and support athletes in a way that promotes long-term growth. The course covers everything from behavioural science to safeguarding, team management to tactical planning, helping you grow into a confident, professional coach who can truly influence performance.
No previous qualifications required, just experience in a coaching role.
Funding: Government funded
Duration: 18 months
Assessment: Project and presentation, observation and discussion
Incentives: £1,000 employer incentive for apprentices aged 16–18 or with an EHCP
Community Sport & Health Officer – Level 3
Be the driving force behind healthier, more active communities.
This programme is designed for coaches, support workers or activity leaders who want to use sport as a tool for social change. As a Community Sport & Health Officer, you’ll create activity programmes that tackle inactivity and improve physical and mental wellbeing — especially in underrepresented and at-risk groups.
You’ll learn how to apply behaviour change models, engage with different communities, and build partnerships with local agencies. This role blends coaching with advocacy, helping individuals and communities overcome barriers to getting active.
Best suited to those already working in community or outreach roles.
Funding: Government funded
Duration: 16–20 months
Assessment: Presentation, observation and portfolio discussion
Incentives: £1,000 employer incentive for apprentices aged 16–18 or with an EHCP
Playworker – Level 2
Transform everyday play into extraordinary learning.
Perfect for those working in after-school clubs, play centres or outdoor activity groups. This course develops your ability to support children’s play in a way that promotes creativity, confidence and wellbeing.
You’ll learn how to create safe, engaging environments where children are free to explore and express themselves through play. You’ll develop skills in communication, safeguarding, observation and reflection, all with the goal of helping children thrive socially and emotionally.
No formal qualifications required.
Funding: Government funded
Duration: 18 months
Assessment: Observation, test and professional discussion
Incentives: £1,000 employer incentive for apprentices aged 16–18 or with an EHCP
Team Leader – Level 3
Step into leadership with confidence and clarity.
Whether you’re managing coaches, youth workers or support staff, this apprenticeship equips you with the skills to lead teams effectively and communicate with impact. You’ll learn how to manage people, drive performance, handle change and align your team’s work with wider organisational goals.
The programme also focuses on developing emotional intelligence, decision-making and problem-solving, all key traits of a great leader.
Ideal for aspiring or current supervisors and first-line managers.
Funding: Government funded
Duration: 15 months + EPA
Assessment: Presentation and professional discussion
Incentives: £1,000 employer incentive for apprentices aged 16–18 or with an EHCP
Optional: CMI or ILM accreditation available
Ready to take your next step?
Whether you’re new to the sector or looking to lead at a higher level, our Sports Coaching & Community apprenticeships give you the skills, confidence and support to grow.
Get in touch today by contacting Lisa Parkinson, [email protected]. 07523 277566 to find the right programme for you or your team.
