Staffordshire University offers free modules in sports coaching

Staffordshire University is offering free modules in sports coaching as part of a government pilot to help people gain new skills.

The University is one of 25 higher education institutions taking part in the two-year Modular Accelerate Programme, and the only University to offer sport coaching.

Two modules – Coaching and Teaching for Diverse Groups and Skills for a Career In Sport – are available free of charge for applicants who meet the criteria. Students will not pay tuition fees for these modules, but they will be entitled to a lower level of student loans in future.

University Head of Department for Sport and Science, Alex Blackett said: “The modules are part of our Coaching in the Community course, a Higher Technical Qualification run in partnership with Stoke City Football Club’s Community Trust. This enables learners to build credit towards the full Foundation Degree should they want to take their learning to the next level.

Rob Henshall was part of the first cohort to graduate from the full FdSc Coaching in the Community foundation degree.

The 37-year-old dad of four said: “Obviously, I’ve not done anything like this before. I’m the first in my family to ever go to university and graduate. So for me, it’s quite exciting and who knows where it can lead to next!”

Rob is staying at Staffordshire University to top-up to the BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching degree and has ambitions to work at St George’s Park with the England team.

To others considering going back into education, Rob advised: “Be brave, be audacious, and just go for it because you never know. Don’t ever be worried that it might not work out because you don’t know until you try it.”

Rob Henshall graduated from Staffordshire University in July and is staying on to top-up his degree.

Both sports coaching modules are taught at Staffordshire University’s main Stoke-on-Trent campus over 14 weeks, beginning this October or January, depending on selected module. People can apply if they:

are aged between 19 and 60
live or work in England
have not previously studied for a level 7 qualification (master’s degree, postgraduate diploma, PGCE etc.)

Alex added: “We know there are a lot of people who volunteer to coach others in their spare time, but this could be the opportunity for them to work towards a career in sport coaching and take advantage of the government grant funding available.

“In addition, there are many more people employed locally in gyms or sports clubs that could be supported by their employers to complete the modules as part of their continued professional development.”

Any learning undertaken via the scheme must be completed by the end of August 2025 and people can register their interest here.