Our first ever Coaching Assistant qualification has been launched and the inaugural course is now live for people to sign up.

The qualification is designed for individuals beginning their coaching journey or those looking to support lead coaches during training sessions.

It provides the essential foundation needed to contribute confidently and effectively within a coaching environment.

By taking part in the course, candidates will be equipped with knowledge, skills and behaviours required to support club and player development across a range of participation settings.

They will develop a clear understanding of their responsibilities as an Assistant Coach and how to work effectively within a coaching team to enhance the player experience.

The qualification is the first step in the professional coaching pathway, offering a structured progression route toward the full Coach qualification and on to the Head Coach qualification.

The course is predominantly online, along with local in-person shadowing of coaching sessions to observe and understand best practice in action, leading to sign-off from qualified coaches to demonstrate readiness and competence.

The course will last 4-6 weeks and cost £190 and candidates must be at least 16 years old.

This is the first stage of the new Coaching Development Framework and coaching pathway which was launched in January, reflecting the ways in which coaches learn and the contexts in which they deliver. 

The new pathway will see the previous structure of Levels 1-4 replaced by three clear role-based qualifications: Coaching Assistant, Coach and Head Coach. 

• Coaching Assistants support delivery and help shape safe, positive first experiences for participants. Coaching Assistants will have the opportunity to be accredited to deliver sessions independently
• Coaches will be supported to independently plan, deliver, and positively impact a wider range of participants through this qualification 
• Head Coaches will be developed in strategic leadership to shape environments, programmes and people, and drive quality, culture, and long-term development within their environment. 

The Coach Qualification’s inaugural delivery taking place in Spring 2026 with a second to follow later in the year. The Head Coach Qualification will open for registration in Autumn of 2026.