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16-18 College

Sports

Our Sport courses have been designed to help students develop a wide range of sporting skills, techniques and personal attributes that are essential for success both on and off the field. Whether you aspire to work in coaching, fitness, sports development or the wider active leisure sector, you'll gain the knowledge, confidence and practical experience needed to achieve your goals.

Throughout your studies, you'll explore areas such as sports performance, fitness training, coaching, anatomy and physiology, and the psychology of sport, while developing valuable teamwork, communication and leadership skills. Students will achieve a nationally recognised qualification that can lead to employment within the sport and active leisure industry or progression to higher-level vocational qualifications, university study or specialist career pathways within the sector.

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Sports Level 1

This one-year study programme is designed around practical skills, so students can demonstrate what they can do, alongside developing the knowledge and personal skills required to progress to further vocational study within Public Services and Sport.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

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Sports and Physical Activity Level 2

With a combination of both practical and theoretical learning, the Sports Level 2 course prepares all students ready for employment and the knowledge required to progress onto Level 3.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

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Sports and Physical Activity Level 3

The Sports and Physical Activity qualification is ideal for those looking to pursue a successful career in health and fitness sector as a fitness instructor, personal trainer or exercise professional.

Length: 2 Years
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

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100%*

pass rate for Sport Introductory Award Level 1

*data from Proachieve September 2024

Over 100

courses to choose from

Good

Ofsted Report 2024

Phone: 01695 52300

Email: enquiries@westlancs.ac.uk

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Neil Farrell

Head of Curriculum for Creative Service Industries

Having studied Sport and Exercise Science at both college and university, I began my career in the sport and active leisure sector before moving into education. During my time at West Lancashire College, I have managed a diverse range of curriculum areas and learning provision. My experience has included 16 to 18 provision, adult education, apprenticeships, Higher Education, community learning programmes, and provision for young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This broad experience has given me a deep understanding of the varied educational pathways available and the importance of creating opportunities for all learners to succeed. I firmly believe that education has the power to transform lives and that everyone should have access to high-quality learning opportunities. I am passionate about supporting learners to achieve their goals, realise their potential, and progress towards successful futures, regardless of their starting point.

Caroline Stewart

Sports Lecturer

I began working at West Lancashire College in 2013 after completing my PGCE placement there. Having been involved in sport for over 25 years, my passion for the subject continues to grow, with a particular focus on physiology, personal training, and sports therapy. Working with young people who share my enthusiasm for sport is one of the aspects of my role that I enjoy most. Seeing students achieve their goals, develop their confidence, and progress to positive destinations makes the role incredibly rewarding and worthwhile.

Robert Boardman

Sports Lecturer

After completing my PGCE in Further Education, I secured my first teaching role in Sport at West Lancashire College. Teaching has always been my greatest passion and career ambition, and I feel privileged to work in a role that I find so rewarding. My favourite part of teaching is working alongside students to help them achieve their personal goals and witnessing those "light bulb" moments when a challenging topic finally clicks after hard work and determination. Supporting learners as they grow in confidence, develop new skills, and realise their potential is what inspires me every day. I was excited to begin my first full year in teaching and looked forward to inspiring the next generation to pursue their own career aspirations and achieve their goals.

Dan

Sports Alumni Student

I chose to study at West Lancashire College because it offered a course that perfectly suited my interests and passions. Throughout my studies, I developed a wide range of valuable skills, including personal training techniques that have been highly transferable to my coaching career. I am now running my own sports business and coaching young people in football, helping them to develop their skills and achieve their potential.

Mia

Sports Student

Choosing the Level 3 Sport course was an easy decision for me because I aspired to pursue a career in personal training. I am passionate about encouraging more women to enter the fitness industry and promoting the message that being strong and having muscles is both healthy and empowering. I enjoyed learning alongside my fellow students, and the teachers were supportive and helpful throughout the course. Their guidance helped me develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to work towards my future career goals.

Adam

Sports Alumni Student

I chose to study the Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity course because I have always loved sport and have a strong passion for staying active both inside and outside of college. My favourite aspect of the course was the practical sessions in the gym, which provided valuable hands-on experience and helped me develop my knowledge and skills in a real-world environment. The course allowed me to combine my passion for sport with practical learning, helping me grow in confidence and prepare for my future career aspirations.

Caitln

Sports Alumni Student

I wanted to pursue my passion for becoming a Sports Therapist, and the Level 3 course helped me take important steps towards achieving that goal. I enjoyed meeting and learning alongside other Sport students, and I greatly valued the opportunities and experiences that West Lancashire College provided throughout my studies. The course helped me develop my knowledge, skills, and confidence, preparing me for the next stage of my journey towards a career in sports therapy.

Daniel

Sports Alumni Student

My passion for sport was the main reason I chose to study at West Lancashire College. One of my favourite aspects of the course was delivering sports sessions to Inclusive Learners as part of my personal and professional development. I also enjoyed learning about a variety of training methods and how they could be applied across different sports. The course helped me develop valuable skills, knowledge, and confidence, preparing me for future opportunities within the sport and fitness industry.

James

Sports Alumni Student

Going to Pete's Gym in Skelmersdale, completing work experience at Gym Works, and taking part in the practical elements of the course were the highlights of my time at West Lancashire College. I chose the Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity course because of my strong passion for sport and my interest in developing a career within the industry. The course provided me with valuable hands-on experience, helping me develop both my practical skills and my understanding of the sport and fitness sector.

Reece

Sports Alumni Student

I have always been passionate about sport and enjoyed helping others to improve and achieve their goals. Meeting new people and working alongside both my teachers and fellow students helped me build my confidence and develop a wide range of valuable skills. The course enabled me to strengthen my knowledge, enhance my abilities, and prepare for future opportunities within the sport and fitness industry.

Tony

Sports Alumni Student

Choosing to study Sport at West Lancashire College was an easy decision for me, as I had always enjoyed participating in sport. The tutors were excellent, providing support and encouragement throughout my studies. The learning environment was welcoming and relaxed, and the lesson content was both engaging and enjoyable. The course helped me develop my skills, knowledge, and confidence, while allowing me to pursue a subject I was passionate about.

Milan

Sports Alumni Student

I chose this course because I was interested in pursuing a career in physiotherapy, while also exploring the wide range of opportunities it could offer. I thoroughly enjoyed the course from the outset, as it was easy to settle in and there was plenty of time to work on assignments while still enjoying college life and spending time with friends. One of the aspects I found most impressive was the variety of work experience opportunities available. Lessons and enrichment activities provided valuable real-world experience that helped prepare students for future careers. For example, members of the public visited the sports facilities to receive treatments such as sports massages, giving us the opportunity to develop our practical skills and learn how to interact professionally with clients while applying the knowledge gained in College. West Lancashire College also offered a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including the football team, which met every Wednesday after College. This allowed students to stay active, represent the College, and compete against other colleges. The course helped me develop my knowledge, practical skills, and confidence, providing a strong foundation for future study. I am now studying for a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science at Edge Hill University.

Louis

Sports Alumni Student

I chose this course because I had always been interested in sport. One of the aspects I enjoyed most was making new friends and becoming part of the College community. I also enjoyed representing the College as a member of the football team, taking part in practical team sports assignments, and attending guest speaker sessions delivered by UA92 and UCLan. These experiences helped me develop my teamwork, communication, and leadership skills while broadening my understanding of the opportunities available within the sport industry. The course provided a supportive and enjoyable learning environment and helped me build the confidence and skills needed for my future career.

Jessica

Sports Alumni Student

I studied Sports Level 3 because I had always enjoyed playing sports, particularly football, and had a strong interest in the industry. During the course, I especially enjoyed the two-week industry placement in Vienna, which provided valuable insight into the sector. For my work experience, I coached under-11s in goalkeeping, allowing me to develop my coaching skills and gain practical experience working with young athletes. Following completion of the course, I progressed to BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching at Edge Hill University.

Daniel L

Sports Alumni Student

I studied Sports Level 3 because I wanted to pursue a career in Sports Coaching. During the course, I particularly enjoyed the trips and the opportunity to learn new aspects of coaching, which helped to broaden my understanding of the industry. I also gained valuable practical experience through a work placement at a primary school, where I worked as support staff and developed my skills working with young people. Following completion of the course, I progressed to BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching at Edge Hill University.

Emily

Sports Alumni Student

I studied Sports Level 3 because I had always had a strong interest in sport and wanted to pursue it as a career. Throughout the course, I particularly enjoyed the guest speakers and the two-week industry placement in Vienna, which provided valuable insight into the industry. I also completed work experience at GymWorks in Skelmersdale and with St Helens RFC, gaining practical experience and developing my skills in a professional sporting environment. Following completion of the course, I progressed to Leeds Beckett University to study BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Therapy, taking the next step towards achieving my career ambitions within the sports industry.

Lucas

Sports Student

I am currently studying Sports Level 3, having progressed from both Level 1 and Level 2. I am very passionate about sport and thoroughly enjoy watching it, as well as taking part in personal fitness, which inspired me to choose this course. I particularly enjoy the fitness-based elements of the programme, alongside the theoretical topics such as Anatomy, which build on knowledge I gained at high school. During my studies, I had the opportunity to take part in a College Skills Competition for Sport, which focused on areas including coaching and Anatomy. This was a valuable experience that allowed me to further develop my knowledge and skills within the subject.