Part of Hampshire Football Association

Part of the Hampshire Football Association.

Education at the Hampshire FA Football Academy

Turn your passion into a profession

At the Hampshire FA Football Academy, your love for football doesn’t have to come at the expense of your education — it becomes part of it. Our full-time programme, delivered in partnership with SCL Education, blends classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience, giving you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take your next step in the sports industry.

Learn from experts, study with purpose

The educational element of the programme is delivered by SCL, one of the UK’s leading independent providers of education through sport. With over 15 years of experience and partnerships with 70+ respected sporting organisations, SCL knows how to prepare students for real careers. You’ll learn from industry-experienced tutors who understand the demands of sport both on and off the pitch.

Your qualification

NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Sports Coaching) — equivalent to three A-Levels, and recognised by employers and universities alike. This nationally respected qualification combines theory with practical learning, preparing you for a wide range of roles in sport, health, and fitness.

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Course Details

Applicants must have 4-5 GCSEs between grades 9-4 including English and / or Maths.

All applicants must be 16 by 31st August 2025.

WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

Across the two-year programme, you’ll cover core topics that give you a deep and broad understanding of sport and physical activity:

Year 1

Mandatory Modules

Exercise, health and lifestyle 

Preparing for a career in sport and physical activity

Sports coaching

 

Optional Modules

Principles of anatomy and physiology

The physiology of fitness

Fitness training and programming

Fitness testing for sport and exercise

Instructing physical activity and exercise

Practical team sports

Technical and tactical skills in sport

Year 2

Assessing risk in sport

Organising sports events

Business in sport

Work experience in sport

Psychology for sports performance

Sports nutrition

You’ll also choose a specialist pathway to tailor your learning.

Business Pathway – Innovation, enterprise, and marketing in sport.

Coaching Pathway – Coaching special populations and performance analysis.

Sports Development Pathway – Understanding current issues and strategies in sport development.

Application Form