The programme is designed for school leavers aged 16–19 who want to continue their education while preparing for football coaching or another career in the football industry.

Students work towards the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development over two academic years.

The Level 3 BTEC is equivalent to three A Levels and is worth up to 168 UCAS points. The number of points awarded depends on the grades you achieve.

Yes. The programme is fully funded for eligible 16–19-year-old school leavers, giving students the opportunity to study, train and gain coaching experience without course fees.

Applicants would ideally achieve five GCSEs at grades 4–9. Your grades, football background and future ambitions will be discussed during your guidance interview.

Football sits at the centre of the experience. You study coaching theory while training, playing, gaining placement experience and learning from coaches who work within the game.

Topics include developing and applying coaching skills, sports psychology, anatomy and physiology, health and wellbeing, sports development, fitness testing, sports injuries and careers in sport.

FA-accredited coaching qualifications are included alongside the Level 3 BTEC. The available badges and when they are completed will be explained during your taster session and guidance interview.

Students can gain up to 15 hours of placement experience each week. Placements may take place with local clubs, schools or community football programmes, depending on the timetable and suitable opportunities.

You may support and deliver coaching sessions, plan practices, work with different ages and abilities, give feedback and reflect on your delivery. This helps you build confidence, contacts and evidence for your CV.

Yes. Students train and play alongside their studies. You will be placed in a squad appropriate to your age, ability and physical development, with opportunities to compete in fixtures during the season.

Possible pathways include grassroots or academy coaching, community football, performance analysis, sports development, fitness, sports science, teaching, media and sports management. Some careers require further study or additional qualifications.

Yes. The BTEC is worth up to 168 UCAS points and can support applications to relevant degree courses, including sports coaching, football coaching, physical education, sports development and sport science. University requirements vary.

Yes. The qualification, FA-accredited badges and placement experience can support applications for coaching, community sport and football-industry apprenticeships, as well as entry-level roles after college.

Tutors and coaches help students research careers, prepare applications and develop their CVs. You will also build a football network through coaches, placements, fixtures and the wider SGA community.

The programme is based at Wyncote Sports Ground, Mather Avenue, Liverpool, L18 6HF. Academic learning and football development take place within an established academy environment.

The Liverpool site has 10 UEFA-licensed coaches, supported by qualified tutors and sports-science staff. Students learn from people with experience in football development and further education.

No. You should be committed to football and ready to work hard, but students can join at different stages of development. Squad placement considers age, ability and physical development.

Students have access to football pitches, classroom learning and performance support at the Liverpool academy. The environment is designed to bring education and football together throughout the week.

Depending on the programme and season, students may access competitive fixtures, showcase games, academy visits, football experiences and selected UK or international tours.