Advanced Advanced Practice in Football Coaching: NQ (Level 6)

What you will learn

You’ll develop your coaching skills through a mix of practical sessions, theory, and real experience on the pitch. The course is designed to help you understand how players learn, how to plan effective sessions, and how to develop your confidence as a coach.

Your learning will include:

• Scottish FA Coaching Awards (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) - Build core coaching skills and learn how to plan, deliver and review safe, fun and effective sessions.
• Inclusive & Children’s Coaching - Develop the ability to coach different age groups and abilities, including formats such as walking football or blind football.
• Safeguarding & Emergency First Aid - Gain essential certifications to support safe practice in school, club and community environments.
• Performance Analysis & Match-Day Coaching - Learn how to observe players, use simple analysis tools, and apply feedback to support development.
• Applied Anatomy, Physiology & Conditioning - Understand how the body works, what helps players perform, and how to support fitness and recovery.
• Planning and Professional Practice - Use the “Plan – Do – Review” model to reflect on your coaching and develop strong professional habits.
• Work Placement Experience - Take part in a placement with Glasgow Life or Scottish FA partners to apply your learning in real football settings.

This mix of theory, practical experience and professional qualifications helps you develop into a confident and capable coach, ready for progression to HNC level or employment in the football sector.

Entry requirements

To apply, you should have:

✅ Three National 5 qualifications OR

✅  One Higher OR

✅ An NQ/NC Sport qualification at SCQF Level 5

✅ A strong interest in developing football coaching skills

Additional requirements:

• Some experience playing or coaching football (highly recommended)
• A reasonable level of physical fitness. You’ll be actively involved in drills, match scenarios, and coaching practice throughout the programme.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

• you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)

• If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment  here at the College.

Career Opportunities

This course prepares you for roles such as:

⚽ Community Football Coach

🧒 Youth Development Assistant

🏫 School/Club Coaching Support Worker

📊 Performance Analyst (entry level)

🏟️ Sports Development Assistant

The Scottish FA partnership gives graduates a strong advantage when seeking coaching roles in clubs, community programmes, or youth settings.

Future prospects

Many learners progress to:

• HNC Coaching & Developing Sport (Level 7)
• Further coaching qualifications through Scottish FA
• Employment within football pathways at Glasgow Life or affiliated clubs
• Volunteering roles leading to paid coaching opportunities

Real Industry Connections

Delivered in collaboration with Glasgow Life and the Scottish FA, this course offers unparalleled access to the football industry. You’ll benefit from:

• Guest speakers - from professional football organisations and coaching networks
• Site visits - to football clubs, training centres, and community sport hubs
• Practical coaching sessions - and match-day scenarios with real players

These experiences provide hands-on learning, help you build professional networks, and give valuable insight into what modern football employers expect. You’ll develop confidence