Develop your football skills while studying towards a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development at FCV International Football Academy.
Delivered in partnership with Loughborough College, this two-year programme is designed for students aged 16–19 who want to combine academic study with structured football training and competitive matches.
Students develop their knowledge of sports coaching, performance and development while improving their technical and tactical abilities on the pitch.
Based at Grace Dieu Manor Park in Leicestershire, students benefit from a residential academy environment, including accommodation, meals and dedicated welfare support.
Programme start dates: September and January.
Alongside their BTEC studies, students benefit from up to 20 hours of football training each week, delivered by FCV’s UEFA-qualified coaching team.
Training focuses on technical ability, tactical understanding, physical development and match preparation, helping players improve their performance in a structured academy environment.
Students also have opportunities to represent FCV in competitive fixtures, putting their training into practice against other teams.
Depending on their ability and development, players may also have opportunities to progress into FCV’s Under-23 or men’s football environments.
Students complete their BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development through our education partner, Loughborough College.
The two-year qualification combines classroom learning with practical activities, helping students develop an understanding of sports coaching, performance and the wider sports industry.
Loughborough College has an established reputation for sports education, offering experienced tutors, specialist facilities and a supportive learning environment.
The college has also been associated with some of football’s biggest names, including Jude Bellingham, who plays for Real Madrid and England, and Ben Chilwell, an England international and former Chelsea player.
This sporting heritage, combined with FCV’s structured football training programme, gives students the opportunity to pursue their academic qualifications while developing their abilities on the pitch.
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development covers a range of subjects designed to develop students’ knowledge of coaching, sports performance and the wider sports industry.
Students study the following units:
Please click HERE for more information about these units.
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is assessed through coursework and practical activities, rather than formal examinations.
Students are assessed through:
Students are awarded grades based on their performance throughout the course:
This assessment approach allows students to demonstrate their knowledge through both written work and practical activities, helping them develop skills relevant to higher education and careers within sport.
To enrol on the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, students must have five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English and Maths, or equivalent international qualifications.
International students who are unsure whether their qualifications meet these requirements can contact our admissions team for guidance.
For further information, visit our Entry Requirements page.
Here is our weekly timetable for the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport with elite football training to give students an insight into what their studies and training will be like. This includes a balance of football training and weekly competitive matches to grow their talent and academic skills.
Students live and train at Grace Dieu Manor Park, FCV’s residential campus in Leicestershire.
Accommodation includes shared twin rooms with private bathrooms, three meals a day and access to facilities including a gym, swimming pool and football pitches.
With dedicated welfare support and a structured daily routine, students can focus on their education, football development and life at the academy.
Discover more about life at FCV.
FCV’s Admissions Team works alongside Loughborough College to guide international students and their families through the Student visa application process.
Eligible students will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Loughborough College once the necessary application requirements have been met. This is required when applying for a UK Student visa.
The process may include:
For additional information, including guidance on UKVI requirements, English language testing and TB test centres, please refer to our existing Student Visa Guidance Document.
Students must submit their visa applications through the official UK government Student visa website.
You can also visit our Visa Information page or contact our admissions team for further guidance.
Applications are welcomed for both September and January intakes.
Our Admissions Team can guide students and their families through the application process, including academic entry requirements, programme availability and visa guidance for international applicants.
To get started, complete the enquiry form below or explore our application process.
