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Study and play with Harriers and Kidderminster College

Combine football and education in an elite, proven setting with Kidderminster Harriers

By Matty Paddock - 15/05/2025

Posted 5 months ago

Kidderminster Harriers FC and Kidderminster College – Course Information

Students studying within the Academy are offered a varied range of experiences as part of their study programme. Working in partnership with Kidderminster College, students have the option of studying a range of courses at different levels, to suit a wide range of student needs, preferences and experiences.

Options include a Level 1, 2 and 3 Further Education course in Sport, as well as a Foundation Degree (Level 5) in Physical Education and Sports Coaching.
The level 1 Sport course is an introductory course aimed at students who have less than 4 grade 3’s at GCSE. The course introduces students to a range of sport-related topics, aiming to develop study skills, organisation and subject area knowledge, effectively preparing them for further study at Level 2 and beyond. Further to formal studies, students also visit St. George’s Park to participate in PFA and UEFA coaching sessions, as well as working closely with the PGMOL to participate in referee training sessions.

The level 2 Sport course is aimed at students who have received 4 grade 3’s at GCSE. This one-year course is equivalent to four GCSE’s and aims to develop skills and understanding in topics such as Sports Leadership, Running Sports Events and Sports Coaching. In addition to their studies, Level 2 students take part in trips to St. George’s Park and Bodymoor Heath, to take part in UEFA B and A License coaching practical sessions, as well as working closely with Kidderminster Harriers Football in the Community, working with local school children to facilitate and lead football events and competitions at CoSE, Aggborough and within local schools themselves.

Level 3 Sport is for students who have received 5 4’s at GCSE. Alternatively, students who have previously studied our Level 2 in Sport will typically move to our Level 3 Sport course. Students study a two-year programme studying units such as Anatomy and Physiology, Exercise Health and Lifestyle, Sports Injuries and Performance Analysis. Opportunities exist to work as a coach with the Foundation Development Phase of Kidderminster Harriers FC, as well as to work with Kidderminster Harriers Football in the Community. Some of our Level 3 students complete paid work for Football in the Community, allowing them to earn as they learn as well as to develop valuable life and employability skills. Furthermore, Level 3 students participate in trips to St. George’s Park and Bodymoor Heath, as well as working with the PGMOL for VAR development tournaments and referee training. Successful completion of the two-year, Level 3 programme, typically leads to roles within coaching, physical education, advanced apprenticeships or University study.

In addition to the above, all students who do not pass GCSE English or Maths will automatically qualify for re-sits of these exam. Resits are done to allow all students to achieve their full potential. Students who are re-taking get access to weekly lessons to develop their English and Maths proficiency, providing valuable life skills as well as equipping students for their re-sit exams.

Following on from our Further Education provision, our Foundation Degree is a genuine progression pathway from our Level 3 Sport course, allowing students to continue to study, play and coach within the Academy beyond their time in Further Education. As part of our Higher Education offer, students have the opportunity to continue playing football alongside their studies, as well as be given more senior roles coaching within the Foundation and Youth Development Phase at Kidderminster Harriers FC. Opportunities may also be available for students to complete their FA Safeguarding, Introduction to First Aid and Introduction to Coaching Football as part of their experience coaching with the Academy. Successful completion of the Foundation Degree, which is two years in duration, will provide students with a Foundation Degree in Physical Education and Sports Coaching from NCG College.

Across all levels of the course, students have access to high quality coaching and a number of training sessions and fixtures across a wide variety of leagues. Classroom activities and football activities work in unison to ensure a smooth daily operation and to ensure an optimal environment for students to learn and achieve their potential. A blend of formal classroom teacher-led instruction, workshops, seminars, practical activities and revision sessions will equip students with the meta-cognitive and subject area specific skills to thrive within employment as well as further study.

For more information about the academic provision at Kidderminster Harriers FC Academy and Kidderminster College, please visit:

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