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Level 3 Fitness and Leisure Professional

Marketing Title
01/09/2026
Format
23/06/2028
Format
Level 3
Full-Time
ASPOF309 (2026/2028)
Accrington & Rossendale College - Accrington & Rossendale College, Broad Oak Campus, Broad Oak Road, Accrington, BB5 2AS
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Course Information

Course Information
Step into the world of fitness and sport with the Level 3 Fitness and Leisure Professional course! Learn how to design and deliver training programmes, coach groups, and develop the leadership and customer service skills needed in the sport and leisure industry. With practical gym sessions, projects, and trips, you’ll gain hands-on experience that prepares you for university, apprenticeships, or careers in sport, fitness, and leisure management.

If you’re passionate about sport and ready to turn it into your career, this course is your launchpad.
Want to turn your love of sport and fitness into a career? The Level 3 Sport & Leisure Professional course is designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in the fast-growing sport and leisure industry.

This course is all about preparing you for the real world of fitness, coaching, and leisure management. You’ll explore areas like exercise science, fitness testing, personal training, sport leadership, and customer service in the leisure industry. You’ll learn how to design and deliver fitness programmes, coach individuals and groups, and understand how sport and leisure centres operate behind the scenes.

Practical learning is at the heart of the course. Expect to spend time in gyms, sports halls, and fitness facilities, applying what you’ve learned in hands-on sessions. You’ll also take part in projects, trips, and industry-related activities that give you a real insight into future career options. Along the way, you’ll build key transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, organisation, and communication.

Assessment is varied, with a mix of coursework, practical observations, written assignments, and projects. This ensures you can show your skills in different ways, not just in exams.

By the end, you’ll be ready to progress to university courses, apprenticeships, or roles in sport, leisure, and fitness, including jobs like personal training, leisure management, or sports development.

If you’re passionate about sport, fitness, and helping others achieve their goals, this course is your perfect next step.
The Level 3 Sport and Leisure Professional course is delivered through classroom lessons, practical workshops, and applied projects. In college, you’ll study areas such as anatomy, physiology, sports psychology, and leadership, while also developing skills in coaching, fitness, and event management. Learning is interactive, with opportunities to lead activities, participate in fitness testing, and gain work-related experience. This mix of theory and practice provides the knowledge and confidence needed to progress to university or employment in the sport and leisure industry.
5 GCSE passes at a minimum of Grade 4, which must include a Grade 3 and 4 in English Language and Maths, in either combination.
Assessment for Level 3 Sport and Leisure Professional uses a blend of coursework, practical tasks, presentations, and teacher observation. Written assignments may cover anatomy, physiology, or the sports industry, while practical assessments include coaching sessions, leadership activities, or fitness testing. You may also deliver presentations to demonstrate understanding of projects or research. Teacher observation is used to evaluate teamwork and participation in group activities. Depending on the awarding body, your course may also include formal exams.
The college is proud to work in partnership with Burnley FC in the Community to offer a range of sports performance programmes in Football, Netball and Cricket.

The Burnley FC Shadow Youth Team offers a unique education and performance programme for those wishing to maximise their football talent. You will represent the College, in partnership with Burnley FC in the Community, in a range of National Leagues operated by the English Football League and the Association of Colleges. Students will benefit from a high-quality coaching from UEFA and FA licensed coaching staff and playing experience, while studying towards a sports related qualification that can lead to work, higher education or further study.

For those interested in Cricket you will benefit from weekly coaching sessions run by qualified coaches from BFC in the Community. We work in partnership with Lancashire cricket to provide you with o[opportunities to visit Old Trafford for match experiences, be coached by representatives of Lancashire County Cricket and complete a Cricket Activators coaching course. As well as this you will play competitive fixture though involvement in the AOC cricket league.

For those interested in Netball you will benefit from a weekly training schedule to improve your fitness and skills for netball delivered by qualified coaches from BFC in the community. You will play in regular fixtures though the AOC North West league and have the opportunity to complete umpiring and coaching courses whilst on programme to further boost your career in sport.
Studying Level 3 Sport and Leisure Professional gives you the skills and confidence to thrive in one of the world’s most exciting and fast-growing industries. This course is not just about improving fitness—it is about understanding how to deliver safe, engaging, and inspiring sport and leisure experiences. On completion, you will be ready to take your next steps into sectors such as sport and leisure management, fitness, coaching, or community sport, where opportunities are wide-ranging and rewarding.

The qualification is also an excellent springboard to university, leading to degrees in Sports Management, Leisure and Recreation, Physical Education, Sports Coaching, or Exercise Science. These can lead to careers such as Sports Development Officer, Leisure Centre Manager, Event Manager, PE Teacher, or Exercise Physiologist. Some students also progress into specialist areas such as Strength and Conditioning, Sports Psychology, or Public Health, building careers that support performance and wellbeing.

The sport and leisure industry is dynamic, offering opportunities to work with individuals, communities, or professional athletes. Whether your ambition is to manage facilities, organise major events, or support people in achieving healthier lifestyles, Level 3 Sport and Leisure Professional equips you with the knowledge and practical experience to succeed.
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