Award in Assistant Coaching
(Sport & Physical Activity)
Take your first step into coaching and develop the skills to support a more qualified coach under their direct supervision.
An entry point to assistant coaching
This qualification develops the skills and competences needed to assist in delivering sport or physical activity coaching sessions under the direct supervision of a more qualified coach.
It is designed for people who want to coach at assistant level and take responsibility for delivering coaching activities under supervision. It provides an entry point depending on your ability and confidence, and is aimed at learners with an interest in sport or physical activity.
Six foundations of assistant coaching
Roles and responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of a coaching assistant.
Rules and regulations
The rules and regulations relevant to coaching.
Safe coaching practice
How to support safe coaching practice.
Inclusive coaching practice
How to support inclusive coaching practice.
Delivery and evaluation
Delivering and evaluating coaching activities.
Technical requirements
The technical requirements of sport and physical activity.
Build a foundation for your coaching
Support a more qualified coach
Develop the skills to assist a more qualified coach and explore paid or voluntary assistant coaching opportunities.
Industry recognition
Recognised by UK Coaching as the industry-standard Level 1 coaching qualification. It maps to the CIMSPA professional standard of Assistant Coach.
Recognition of prior learning
Ask your National Governing Body whether it will accept recognition of prior learning. A Level 1 sport-specific course may be shortened to recognise learning you have already completed; this depends on the organisation accepting it.
Check your eligibility
Identification and age
Be appropriately identified and be at least 14 years of age before registration.
English communication
Be able to communicate effectively in English, including listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Online access and support
Have a laptop and good Wi-Fi to complete the online learning modules. Make any special learning requirements clear during registration.
Two phases of learning
Phase 1: Learn and build your portfolio
Complete a series of online learning modules and tasks within your 1st4sport qualification portfolio. The online learning takes approximately six hours, excluding portfolio tasks.
Phase 2: Deliver your session
Deliver one 15-minute physical activity or sport session in your own environment. This can be videoed, with guidance provided. Before the session, you will have the opportunity to discuss your plan with a Coach Developer.
One-year registration period
You can complete Phase 1 first and move to Phase 2 when appropriate, within your one-year registration period. Reassessment fees apply if you are judged not yet competent in Phase 2.
Discuss an alternative to video assessment
If video assessment is not your preferred option, contact us to discuss alternatives, such as an assessor visiting you in your coaching environment.
Additional assessment fee
An additional fee is required if you choose an alternative assessment method. Email Education@sportstructures.com to discuss your options.
£175 per person
The open course is delivered through remote online learning. Allow approximately six hours for the modules, plus time for portfolio tasks and your practical assessment.
Reassessment fees apply if you are not yet competent in Phase 2. Alternative assessment arrangements carry an additional fee.
Please read the Education Courses Booking Terms and Conditions before booking.
Plan your next coaching step
Level 2 coaching
Progress to the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching or the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching in Multi-Skills.
Sport-specific qualifications
You could progress to a sport-specific coaching qualification at Level 1 or Level 2.
Wider opportunities
Use your skills and knowledge to progress to other industry-relevant qualifications in coaching sport, activity leadership or sports development.
Arrange a course for your group
This course can be delivered to specific groups, including schools and colleges. Face-to-face and blended learning formats are also available.
For specific questions, email Education@sportstructures.com.