Entry Requirements
You need 5 GCSE’s at 3 points or D-E grade and above, including English and maths, or a Level 1 qualification in sport. We will request a school or college report, and you attend an interview at the college.
You must be an elite level footballer and also successfully complete a football trial with Martin Gray before being selected.
The dates for the trials that take place throughout the year will be given following initial application.
What's Involved
This course runs in partnership with Martin Gray Football Academy, offering you the chance to be selected for our Elite Coaching and Development Squad, (which offers additional experience and personal conditioning. Our elite squad will play in the National College League).
The name of the qualification you will receive is a diploma in Health and Fitness.
This qualification is for learners who want to start a career in sport and physical activity, coaching and outdoor activity. It is designed for post-16 students and can be taken as part of a wider study programme. It is an ideal qualification for learners intending to progress directly to employment within sport and activity leadership, or to an apprenticeship.
You will gain a good grounding in the essential skills and fundamental knowledge that are crucial to working in the sporting industry. You will be given the opportunity to go on work experience at certain times during your course. To develop your employability opportunities further, you may also be given enrichment classes. This may focus upon additional qualifications, industrial updating and career preparation
If you have not achieved a C grade/ 4 Grade or above in English or maths, you will as part of your course be required to work towards this as part of your study programme.
You will get a gym instructor qualification as part of this course.
The Martin Gray Football Academy requires the purchase of essential training and matchday sports kit. The cost will be £110 in total and this includes a training bundle and match day uniform. The training bundle consists of shorts, socks, t-shirt and a 3/4 training top. The match day sports kit comes with shorts, socks and a shirt with the student's name and number on the back. Other items are also available to purchase which include a travel tracksuit. These items will be issued on the commencement of the course. For those who qualify there are bursaries available to help pay for the essential training and matchday sports kit. Please contact Darlington College for details.
The training kit consists of shorts, t shirt, socks, half zip top and waterproof jacket all fully badged and initialled. These items will be issued on the commencement of the course.
Should students withdraw from the course at any time during the first term the full cost of the free kit is expected to be repaid.
Goalkeeper information
As part of the level 2 and 3 sport courses with Football option at MGFA, students can access bespoke goalkeeper coaching. Students will be able train alongside the infield players but then break in to separate goalkeeper specific coaching sessions. This will cover the technical and strategic elements of goal keeping. Students will have the opportunity to have focussed training which will support them develop their skills and fitness specific to being a goal keeper.
Course Assessment Method
There is no final written examination as you achieve your qualification though continuous assessment. This involves carrying out assignments, project work, presentations, report writing, class tests and collecting video evidence. All assessments will be graded at pass, merit and distinction. You will also be expected to do independent study in your own time towards assessments.
You will be required to complete both years of this course to achieve the full qualification.
What's Next
Students who have completed this course have gone on to become;
> Gym attendants
> Leisure Attendants
> Sports Coaches
There is also an option to progress on to a Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Course, or a Level 2/3 Gym Instructors/Personal Training Course at Darlington College. We also offer progression onto the L3 Sport Coaching with Football, in conjunction with the Martin Grey Football Academy.
What if I Need Support
Here at the college we have outstanding support. Our support staff are dedicated to providing you with all the help and guidance you may need throughout your college journey.
You might need help and advice on a wide range of issues such as childcare, counselling and additional learning support. For more information on any aspect of student support contact the Course and Information Team, who will direct your call to the appropriate member of the college support team, call: 01325 503030.
What does it Cost?
This course is free if you are 16-18 years of age on August 31 of the calendar year in which you begin your studies. If you are 19+ years of age fees may apply. However help may be available. To see if you can receive any funding call our Student Services Team on 01325 503030.
Course fees are payable to Darlington College. Registration and membership fees may be payable. All course fees are per year.
| Course Information | |
| Qualification Type: | Diploma in Sport |
| Level: | Level 2 |
| Awarding Body: | ACTIVE IQ |
| Academic Year: | 23/24 |
| Start Date: | September 2023 |