Sport
Everything you need to achieve your goals
Sport students turn theory into action through elite training, coaching, and real-world experience with local schools and clubs. Working with the Portsmouth, Havant & Waterlooville School Sports Partnership, they deliver PE sessions and festivals in primary schools such as Highbury, Copnor, and Meon Juniors. Through the Soccer Scholar Academy, learners gain hands-on coaching experience and industry contacts, with opportunities for paid work. Enrichment trips like Croyde Bay Surf and the Elite Football Tour to Salou add to the experience, preparing students to lead the next generation of sport.
SPORT
Subject overview
What's on offer
What’s your goal? Coaching? Sports science, management, physical training? If there’s an area of the sports and fitness industry you want to get stuck into, City of Portsmouth College provides the platform you need.
While our on-site facilities provide the ideal pitch for success, our sports courses – thanks to our fantastic industry connections – offer real-world opportunity that gain you that customer-client experience you’re looking for. Whether it’s helping out at football festivals, taking on challenges with our SEND students, running endurance events or working closely with local clubs and organisations, you’ll get that grassroots start you’re aiming for.
Subject highlights
- train with experienced coaches who have industry backgrounds and FA qualifications
- partnerships with professional clubs and sports organisations for progression opportunities
- Croyde Bay Surf and Coasteering trip
- pathways to university, semi-professional/professional football, and careers in coaching or sports management
- Elite Football Programme with tour to Salou, Spain and USA scholarships
- guest speakers, workshops, and networking events with industry professionals for a quality learning experience
- coaching placement opportunities at a range of local primary schools
- work experience opportunities with Soccer Scholar Academy.

Course: Level 1 Pathway to Sport
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P252251
Course: Level 2 Certificate in Planning & Delivering Gym Based Exercise.
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100176
Course: Level 2 Certificate in Sport
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P250553
Course: Level 3 BTEC Elite Football Programme (two-year course)
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100192
100% Pass Rate
Proven with perfection in 24/25
Course: Level 3 BTEC Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching and Development
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100195
Course: Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training (SFC)
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100188
100% Pass Rate
Proven with perfection in 24/25
Course: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Elite Basketball - Sports Coaching and Development
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q274307
Course: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport in Partnership with Portsmouth Football Club
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P293043
Course: Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sports, Coaching and Development
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P293006
Our facilities
Staying fit and active is easy at City of Portsmouth College. You’ll have access to a wide range of great facilities for sports, health and wellbeing.
Key facilities include:
- sports hall at both Highbury Campus and Sixth Form Campus for basketball, badminton, volleyball, netball, hockey and football with performance analysis equipment
- 4G Goals football facility
- fully equipped fitness suite gym
- access to off-site training facilities such as King George V sports facilities for matches and Langstone Complex
- dance studio with sprung floor.
Virtual tour
Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.
A great way to explore our facilities before booking a visit.
“I really enjoyed my course. My coaches and tutors really pushed me to do well and helped me to secure my scholarship in the United States.”Lizzy Knight
Studied: Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport in partnership with Portsmouth Football Club
Careers within the sport industry
Performance Sport Scientist
Performance Sport Scientists use their knowledge of the body to help athletes thrive.
Main responsibilities:
- Work in a hospital, sports club, research facility or fitness centre
- Analyse data to identify areas for improvement in training or competition
- Design development plans for individuals and teams
- Help people improve their health or heal from injury through fitness
- Take part in research and development for sports equipment or health treatments
Salary range:
£23,000 - £50,000
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists manipulate muscle and soft tissue to improve wellness.
Main responsibilities:
- Check your clients’ medical history, diet and lifestyle
- Identify their needs – from injury recovery to health improvement
- Plan and carry out a course of massage treatment
- Advise clients on their wellbeing and keep confidential records
- Work in a therapy clinic, health spa, sports club or from home
Salary range:
£20,000 - £50,000
Health Trainer
Health Trainers help people to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Main responsibilities:
- Help clients understand how their behaviour affects their health
- Support and motivate people to change harmful habits
- Explain the advantages of healthier food and lifestyle choices
- Record clients’ activity levels, results and progress for motivation
- Suggest other services clients might benefit from in their health quest
Salary range:
£18,000 - £28,000
Personal Trainer
Personal Trainers work closely with clients to improve their fitness and health.
Main responsibilities:
- Help clients set fitness goals and plan personalised workout programmes
- Teach and motivate people to exercise safety and effectively
- Give advice on healthy eating and lifestyle habits
- Track clients’ progress and provide ongoing support
- Proactively build your client base and manage related admin
Salary range:
£25,000 - £50,000
Sports Coach
Sports Coaches teach skills and fitness techniques to individuals and teams.
Main responsibilities:
- Plan and lead safe and engaging coaching sessions
- Give feedback to help players improve their skills, technique and performance
- Motivate and inspire people to reach their full sporting potential
- Support athletes at events and offer advice on training, nutrition and recovery
- Work anywhere from gyms and sports clubs, to educational settings
Salary range:
£19,000 - £30,000
Let’s help you shape your future.
Here come the girls! Football is on the rise for women
Women’s football is surging in popularity. That’s not just good news for the Lionesses, or for aspiring players. It’s good for the whole game, and for everyone who works in football-related jobs. Research from SPORTFIVE finds that 54% of the world’s population aged 16-64 is interested in women’s football – but 76% of fans feel they don’t see enough coverage of it. So, expect big investment in the sport from clubs, the media and brands – creating a world of opportunity.
Frequently asked questions
Our Sport courses explore coaching, fitness, sports science and active lifestyles.
You will examine both practical performance and the theory behind physical activity and wellbeing. Whether your strengths lie in leadership, analysis or coaching, you can find your brilliance through sport.
Not necessarily. Our Sport courses focus on understanding sport, coaching techniques, performance analysis and the science behind physical activity, not just on personal performance levels.
While a positive attitude towards physical activity is important, you do not need to be an elite athlete to succeed. Enthusiasm, commitment, teamwork and a willingness to learn are just as valuable. You will develop your own fitness and confidence over time while gaining a deeper understanding of how sport supports health, performance and wellbeing.
Some programmes incorporate recognised coaching awards alongside your main qualification, depending on the level and pathway you choose.
These additional certifications can strengthen your CV and demonstrate practical coaching competence to employers and community organisations. Gaining coaching experience alongside your academic study helps you apply theory in real settings and build confidence leading sessions with different age groups and abilities.
Placement opportunities may be available in sports settings such as schools or community clubs.
This experience helps you understand how sport is delivered professionally.
Sport qualifications can lead to careers in coaching, personal training, sports development or progression to higher level study.
You will also develop leadership and communication skills valued in many industries.
Once you have chosen the right course, simply visit the relevant course page and follow the clear application or enquiry instructions provided.
Each listing outlines entry requirements, next steps and key dates so you can move forward with confidence. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation and further guidance about what to expect next.
Our process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you feel informed at every stage as you take your first step towards finding your brilliance at City of Portsmouth College.
Yes. Attending an Open Event is one of the best ways to explore our facilities, meet tutors and speak directly with current students.
Open Events give you a genuine feel for College life, allowing you to see workshops, studios and classrooms in action. You can ask questions about course content, enrichment opportunities and progression routes, helping you make a confident and well-informed decision about your future.
Visiting in person often brings your ambitions into sharper focus and helps you picture yourself thriving in your chosen subject area.
After submitting your application or enquiry, you will receive confirmation along with details about the next stage of the process.
Depending on the course, this may include an interview, informal discussion, assessment activity or enrolment guidance. These stages allow us to understand your interests, goals and suitability for the programme, while also giving you the opportunity to ask further questions.
Our aim is to ensure you feel fully prepared, supported and confident as you move closer to starting your course.
Have a question?
Get in touch and our advice and guidance team will be more
than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide
you in the right direction.
