Edexcel BTEC L3 Subsidiary Diploma/Diploma/Extended Diploma in Sport Studies (Football)

Now in its 11th year the CRC CUFC Elite Shadow Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students to progress as a footballer whilst gaining a top education in the sporting industry. This is a two year programme which combines the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport Studies alongside training and playing for the Cambridge United Elite Scholarship programme. We have both male and female programmes.

Education - A two year programme which is designed to prepare you for a career in the sports industry. The breadth of content in this qualification allows learners to widen their opportunities to progress to a number of different higher education courses or scholarships in the US. The course is equivalent in size to three A levels and includes 12 different units, seven of which are mandatory.

Football – Players are selected upon a trial basis. Training is 3 times per week and teams play in competitive national and regional leagues within the National Football Youth League Premier League and Championship, English Football League and Association of Colleges League. All training and games are structured around the student’s education timetable.

Year 1 (Mandatory Units)
Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
Health, Wellbeing and Sport
Developing Coaching Skills
Sport Development
Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
Anatomy and Physiology in Sport

Year 2
Research Project in Sport
Applied Coaching Skills
Psychology for Sports performance
Fitness Testing
Sporting Injuries
Ethical and Current Issues
Sports Massage

This programme is equivalent to three A Levels and will provide you with the learning opportunities and experiences required for a career in the broad sports-related industry. The Extended Diploma is also recognised as an entry qualification for Higher Education. The course enables you to prepare for work or further study, and will provide you with the learning opportunities and experiences to enhance your understanding by learning in, learning about, and learning through sports activities. Level 4 and 5 – we now offer a Level 4 and Level 5 progression route for our players. Students will get the opportunity to begin their degree in sport whilst continuing to train with Cambridge United and playing for our CUFC U23’s squad. US scholarships – this has been a popular progression pathway for our students over the years. Matches are filmed so students can produce highlight reels to send to US coaches.

You will need 4 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or above, including English or Maths OR Successful completion of a full Level 2 qualification in a related subject. Internal Applicants must have achieved all targets set by tutor in previous year. If you do not achieve the grades for the level 3 programme there is still opportunity to be part of the scholarship alongside the Level 2 programme. This will be on a reduced training time however you can still play in matches and it will be a stepping stone onto the Level 3 programme. Trial Cambridge United will set a series of trial dates between October and June for players to attend. Information on these dates can be found on the college and Cambridge United websites and social media platforms. Or please email –

We want you to achieve to the very best of your ability at CRC. To make this happen we offer both learning and personal support by specialist staff tailored to meet your specific needs. Each project, activity or assignment that you complete will be assessed. These assessments indicate your level of performance and contribute to your final grade. Each unit is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. Assessment will be through practical and theoretical assignments. You will be required to take part in weekly physical activity. You will also be assessed on your physical fitness four times a year. You must be willing to take part in all practical activities and assessments. During your course you may have the chance to study some of the following additional qualifications: • YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym Based Exercise) • Level 1 Football Coaching • First Aid at Work • Referee level 1 • GCSE retakes There may be a certification fee for these qualifications. During your time on the course you will have the chance to attend extra residential activities. These may include: • Football tour to selected destination – previous trips have included Paris, Dubai and Barcelona • France water sports tour • Ski/snowboarding trip • Volunteering trip to Morocco There is an extra cost for these activities.

Firstly please email Dan Jarvis (head coach) on the following email to book your place onto the next open trial ?

Then please apply for the Level 3 Sport Studies course through the college. Students who currently attend a Cambridge Area Partnership school should apply through the CAP application system, scheduled to be available shortly.

You can also apply through our online application form at www.camre.ac.uk or download a copy from our website www.camre.ac.uk/apply. The application form can also be found in the back of our full-time prospectus. If you need any help with applying, please contact our Cambridge Admissions Office on tel. 01223 418448
Once we have received your application, you will be invited to attend a Welcome Event. At the Welcome Event you will meet the tutors and get the chance to learn more about college and your course. You will also have a discussion with one of our tutors who will look to make you a formal offer for September.