Level 3 BTEC Elite Football Programme (two-year course)
Course Code: Q100192
Key Information
Course type:
Vocational
Campus:
Sixth Form Campus
Next Start Date:
07 Sept 2026
Duration:
1 year
Attendance:
Full-time
Fees:
Free
This programme is designed for footballers who are looking to progress as a professional player, are aiming for a scholarship in the USA or wish to study at university. We also support students who are looking for a career within football.
The programme combines lessons with training and fixtures so your studies will be a part of your development as a player. We also have extensive coaching programmes, consisting of placements and possible destinational opportunities with paid roles in the USA.
What will I study?
After the first year, you will achieve a Level 3 BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sport, which is the equivalent to one and a half A Levels. It comprises six units, of which five are compulsory - all units are internally assessed. After completing the second year, you will gain a Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, the equivalent of three A Levels and carries forward the grades achieved from the first year to combine them with a further six units.
Trips & visits
We regularly organise trips to local sports centres and external sports providers. We also visit the USA every year (Boston or Philadelphia) to promote scholarship opportunities. Players stay with host families, visit universities and play football in state of the art facilities against American teams in front of college recruiters.
Our Level 3 courses require five subjects graded 4 or above at GCSE level (we accept Merits or higher from BTEC subjects). Level 3 courses require English to be one of the five grade 4s. Spaces on this programme are limited so you will have your footballing ability assessed as part of your application, but with a number of teams, we will be able to find an appropriate team to match your ability.
You are expected to have an attendance of 90% or above.
You will have a 9.55am start, one lesson in the morning, one in the afternoon and a guaranteed 4.00pm finish. You will also have at least one morning and one afternoon per week free for private study.
You will be assessed through practical and theory assessments within a range of topics within sport with examples of units including ‘Sports Development’, ‘Applying Coaching Skills’ and ‘Anatomy and Physiology’, 'Technicial and Tactical' and many more.
Alongside the lessons, you will have high-quality football training sessions to develop your ability as well as the opportunity to work with Personal Trainers to improve your physical attributes.
On completion of this course, you can progress to higher education, a degree-level course or an apprenticeship/job in the sporting sector. The course is diverse enough to develop you towards careers in coaching, teaching, sports psychology, sports therapy, sports science or nutrition.
Level 3 BTEC Elite Football Programme (two-year course) available start dates:
You may also be interested in
Level 3 BTEC in Sports Coaching and Development
Popular Course!
28 people have been looking at this course recently
Related Features
Event 16-10-2025
October open events
Check out all the fantastic opportunities available by coming along to our next cross-campus open events, from 4.30-7.30pm on 15 and 16 October. This open event spans two days, so choose the date that suits you best.
Event 15-10-2025
October open events
Check out all the fantastic opportunities available by coming along to our next cross-campus open events, from 4.30-7.30pm on 15 and 16 October. This open event spans two days, so choose the date that suits you best.
NEWS 11-08-2025
League triumph for Pan Disability football team
Cheers all round for our Pan Disability football team which has won the 2024-25 Portsmouth Inclusion League. The team, COPC Prem, topped the table with 32 points, having won ten of their 12 league games. The team comprises players of mixed abilities and experience – some in their third season with the club, and some making their league debut.
“Andrew Collins”
"All training received at Highbury College was delivered by very knowledgeable, experienced individuals with many years spent in the trade. There’s a friendly atmosphere and the helpful staff want to get the best from you. Would definitely recommend."
Andrew Collins | GE Harding & Sons
NEWS 04-08-2025
COPC football coaches tackle the Monster Kickabout
City of Portsmouth College (COPC) football coaches and student trainees have played their part in a huge national festival of school football.
“Scott Ryan”
"I have used this College for around 10 years and have always found the training, facilities and assessors excellent. The booking arrangements are always completed and Julie is helpful with the admin. I would recommend the College to others in the industry."
Scott Ryan | SPR Plumbing & Heating Ltd
Did you know?
We have our own specific social media pages for our Sports Academy. So, click below to find out more about the open training sessions, matches and everything else associated with the Sports Academy.
